As the name suggests, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that is short-term and goal-focused. SFBT incorporates positive psychology principles to help clients focus on formulating solutions, rather than focusing on the problem itself. This approach is hope-friendly, future-oriented, and elicits positive emotions to help motivate clients to achieve and sustain behavioral change. 

Seven Principles of SFBT

• Change is constant and certain
• Emphasis on what is changeable and possible
• Clients must want to change 
• Clients are the experts and must develop their own goals
• Clients already have the resources and strengths to solve/overcome their problems
• Therapy is short-term
• The focus must be on the future 

Solution-focused therapy highlights a client's ability to solve problems, rather than why or how the problem was created. The idea is to find realistic, logical, and workable solutions for clients, and can be applied to individual, couples, or family therapy. An essential aspect of SFBT is clearly identifying and developing goals. The therapist will ask questions to help the client identify their ideal outcome once the problem is solved, as well as questions that help the client identify their strengths and resiliency. 

What can SFBT help with? 

• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Depression
• Self-esteem
• Relationship issues
• Big life changes
• Anger management
• Addiction
• Stress

Common SFBT Techniques & Exercises

• Goal development (SMART goals)
• Identifying previous solutions
• Identifying "exceptions" to the problem
• Coping/resiliency questions
• Scaling/rating questions
• Miracle question
• Solution mind mapping
• Experiment journaling
• Strength-finding exercises

Please reach out to me for a free consultation if you're interested in exploring Solution-Focused Brief Therapy!