What Is Solution-Focused Therapy?
Solution-focused therapy, often called Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), is a collaborative counselling approach designed to uncover and expand upon what already works in a person’s life. Unlike therapies that linger on the causes of problems, SFBT is focused on the present and future, guiding individuals to envision and achieve their preferred future. By emphasising strengths and past successes, this approach helps people build confidence and motivation to tackle current challenges.
Simple yet powerful techniques are central to SFBT. The miracle question, for instance, asks clients to imagine waking up tomorrow free of their problem. Picturing this scenario clarifies goals and reveals practical actions that move people closer to their desired outcomes. Scaling questions are another common tool, asking clients to rate their current state or progress. These concrete scales help pinpoint improvements—no matter how small—and encourage further steps in a positive direction.
Rather than exploring problem histories in depth, solution-focused therapists focus on times when clients have already managed, even briefly, to lessen their difficulties. Recognising these “exception moments” reveals effective strategies that can be replicated. This approach empowers clients to see themselves as capable and resourceful.
Because it sharpens one’s problem-solving and strengths, SFBT can be effective across diverse mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to trauma. It works well when rapid engagement is needed, and has proven valuable in various settings, including front-line mental health services. By looking forward rather than dwelling on problems, individuals feel hopeful and ready to take action.
If you’re a professional interested in integrating SFBT into your practice, or someone wanting to understand its principles better, consider our Solution Focused Brief Therapy Courses. These courses offer practical training on how to apply a solution-focused approach effectively, helping you guide clients (or yourself) toward lasting improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main concept of Solution-Focused Therapy?
It emphasises solutions, existing strengths, and future goals instead of dwelling on problems and their origins.
- What are the major principles of Solution-Focused Therapy?
Key principles include focusing on what works, using techniques like the miracle question and scaling questions, and highlighting positive exceptions to spark change.
- What are examples of Solution-Focused Therapy?
Examples include asking clients to imagine waking up problem-free (miracle question), rating progress on a scale, and identifying times when issues are less severe to replicate those successes.
By spotlighting possibilities and success stories, Solution-Focused Therapy offers a hopeful, practical way to address mental health challenges. Through small but steady steps, professionals can transform their vision of a better future into a tangible reality.