Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) is a form of brief therapy that focuses on a person’s desired future rather than their past problems. SFT is a collaborative approach where the therapist and client work together to identify the client’s strengths and resources, and develop a plan for achieving their desired outcome. SFT is based on the idea that clients are the experts in their own lives and that they already have the necessary resources to achieve their goals.
What is Solution-Focused Therapy?
Solution Focused Therapy was developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg at the Brief Family Therapy Centre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The founders of SFT were influenced by the work of Milton Erickson, Gregory Bateson, and other pioneers in the field of brief therapy.
SFT is a brief therapy approach that is typically completed in five to twenty sessions. The focus of SFT is on the present and the future, rather than the past. SFT is based on the idea that people are already doing some things well in their lives, and that these successes can be built upon to achieve a desired future.
How Does Solution-Focused Therapy Work?
Solution Focused Therapy is a collaborative approach where the therapist and client work together to identify the client’s strengths and resources. The therapist asks questions to help the client identify what is already working in their life, and to help them develop a clear picture of their desired future. The therapist then helps the client to develop a plan for achieving their goal, and to identify the small steps that can be taken to move towards it.
The therapist’s role in SFT is to facilitate the client’s process of change, rather than to diagnose or analyse their problems. The therapist is also responsible for creating a safe and supportive environment where the client feels comfortable to explore their feelings and emotions.
SFT uses a range of techniques, including scaling questions, exception questions, and miracle questions. Scaling questions help the client to identify where they are on a scale of 0-10 in relation to their problem or goal. Exception questions help the client to identify times when the problem is not present or not as severe. Miracle questions help the client to develop a clear picture of their desired future.
What Does Solution-Focused Therapy Treat?
Solution-Focused Therapy can be used to treat a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship difficulties, and trauma. SFT can also be used to help people who are struggling with stress, grief, or life transitions.
SFT is particularly effective for people who are looking to make changes in their life, such as starting a new career, improving their relationships, or developing new coping strategies. SFT is also useful for people who are dealing with chronic conditions, such as chronic pain, where traditional treatments may not be effective.
Who is Most Suitable for Solution-Focused Therapy?
This approach can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, who are:
- Struggling with a specific problem or issue and are looking for a solution-focused approach to address it.
- Motivated to make positive changes in their lives and are willing to take an active role in the therapy process.
- Requiring a brief therapy approach that focuses on solutions rather than a long-term, in-depth exploration of their past experiences.
- Experiencing stress or anxiety and want to learn practical techniques for managing their symptoms.
- Experiencing relationship issues and want to learn communication skills and problem-solving strategies.
- Dealing with addiction or substance abuse and want to learn how to overcome their addiction and maintain sobriety.
Overall, solution-focused therapy can be a suitable approach for anyone who wants to focus on solutions rather than problems, and who is willing to take an active role in the therapy process.
Get in Touch
If you or a loved one are seeking support, please get in touch by completing the enquiry form, or email me at [email protected].
I will arrange a mutually agreeable time to have an initial consultation with you, at no cost and with no pressure to commit to further sessions.
I offer both in-person and online appointments (by phone or video).
I aim to reply to all email enquiries within 3 working days, but if you require immediate help, please contact your local NHS urgent mental health helpline here