What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)?

Written by Tretbar Therapy

Updated 2 weeks ago

When seeking therapy that is practical, goal-oriented, and often short-term, you might come across Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, or SFBT. This approach uniquely shifts the focus from analyzing problems to exploring and building solutions. This article explains what SFBT is, its core principles, and who might find it particularly helpful.

Understanding Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) was developed by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and their colleagues. It's a forward-looking, strengths-based approach that operates on the fundamental belief that clients have the inherent wisdom, strengths, and resources to create solutions to their own problems.

Rather than dwelling on the past or the intricacies of a problem, SFBT therapists help clients:

• Clearly define their preferred future.
• Identify and amplify existing strengths and past successes.
• Recognize "exceptions" – times when the problem was less severe or absent.
• Take small, concrete steps towards their goals.

Key characteristics of SFBT include:

• Brief: Aims to be efficient and is often shorter in duration than other therapy models.
• Solution-Oriented: The primary focus is on constructing solutions, not analyzing problems.
• Future-Focused: Concentrates on what the client wants to achieve.
• Strengths-Based: Highlights and utilizes the client's existing capabilities and resources.
• Goal-Directed: Therapy is structured around clear, client-defined goals.
• Collaborative: The client is viewed as the expert on their own life; the therapist acts as a facilitator.
• Emphasis on Exceptions: Explores times when the problem is not present or is less intense.

Who Can Benefit from SFBT?

SFBT's practical and positive approach can be effective for a diverse range of individuals, couples, and families facing various challenges, including:

• Specific life challenges or transitions: Stress management, decision-making, career changes.
• Goal achievement: Setting and working towards personal or professional objectives.
• Relationship issues: When a future-focused, solution-building approach is desired for improving communication or resolving specific conflicts.
• Anxiety and depression: Particularly when clients prefer to focus on building coping strategies and a hopeful outlook.
• Behavioral concerns in children and adolescents: Helping young people and their families find workable solutions.
• Improving self-esteem and building confidence.
• Situations where clients are looking for a time-efficient and empowering therapeutic experience.

SFBT is generally most effective when clients are motivated to find solutions and are open to a present and future-focused dialogue.

Key Principles and Techniques in SFBT

SFBT therapists employ distinctive questioning techniques to help clients uncover and build solutions:

1. The Miracle Question: "Imagine that tonight, while you are asleep, a miracle happens and the problem that brought you here is solved. Since you were asleep, you don't know that a miracle happened. When you wake up tomorrow morning, what would be the first small signs that would tell you the miracle occurred and things are better?" This helps clients envision a desired future in concrete terms.
2. Exception-Finding Questions: "Tell me about times when this problem wasn't happening, or when it was less of an issue. What was different then? What were you (or others) doing that made things better?" These questions identify existing strengths and successful strategies.
3. Scaling Questions: "On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is the worst this problem has ever been and 10 is the problem being completely solved (or your miracle happening), where would you say you are today? What tells you you're at that number and not a zero? What would it take to move just one point higher?" This helps clients measure progress, recognize existing achievements, and identify small, manageable steps forward.
4. Coping Questions: "I can see things have been really difficult for you. How have you managed to cope and keep going despite these challenges?" These questions highlight resilience and existing strengths, even in adversity.
5. Compliments and Affirmations: Therapists genuinely acknowledge and affirm clients' strengths, efforts, and positive changes, reinforcing their capacity for solutions.
6. Focus on "What's Better?": Subsequent sessions often begin by asking what has been better or different since the last meeting, reinforcing positive change and progress.

What Does SFBT Look Like in Therapy?

SFBT sessions are typically:

• Collaborative and Respectful: The therapist and client work together as partners.
• Focused and Goal-Driven: Sessions are geared towards identifying and building on solutions.
• Interactive: Involves active dialogue and questioning.
• Emphasis on Small, Achievable Changes: Recognizing that small steps can lead to significant progress.
• Client-Led: The client's goals and perceptions of what works are central.
• Often Concluding Quickly: Many clients achieve their goals in a relatively small number of sessions (e.g., 3-8 sessions), though the duration is flexible based on individual needs.

Benefits of SFBT

Choosing SFBT can offer several advantages:

• Empowering: Focuses on client strengths and capabilities, fostering a sense of agency and hope.
• Efficient and Often Brief: Can lead to positive outcomes in a shorter timeframe.
• Positive and Optimistic: Emphasizes possibilities and solutions, which can be highly motivating.
• Practical and Action-Oriented: Helps clients identify concrete steps they can take immediately.
• Reduces Focus on Problem Saturation: Can be a relief for clients who don't want to extensively dwell on past difficulties or the problem itself.

Is SFBT Right for Me/Us?

SFBT might be an excellent choice if:

• You have specific goals you want to achieve.
• You prefer a practical, forward-looking, and positive approach.
• You believe you have untapped strengths and resources.
• You are looking for a potentially shorter-term therapy experience.
• The idea of focusing on solutions rather than deeply analyzing problems resonates with you.

A discussion with a therapist can help determine if SFBT aligns with your specific needs and preferences.