Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented, evidence-based approach that focuses on building solutions rather than analyzing past problems.
Developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, SFBT is grounded in the belief that clients already possess the resources and strengths needed to create meaningful change (de Shazer, 1985).
Key Principles of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Goal Orientation: Future-focused and collaborative, SFBT helps clients identify clear, realistic goals and develop steps toward achieving them.
- Strengths and Resources: Clients are guided to recognize and build on their existing strengths, skills, and resilience.
- Brief and Time-Limited: SFBT is structured for a limited number of sessions, focusing on rapid progress.
- Solution Talk: Language centers on solutions and successful moments, reinforcing clients’ ability to create change.
Techniques in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Miracle Question: Clients are asked to imagine that a miracle occurred and their problem was solved, helping them clarify their desired future (de Shazer, 1985).
- Scaling Questions: Clients rate progress, confidence, or motivation on a 0–10 scale. This provides concrete benchmarks for growth.
- Exception Seeking: Exploring times when the problem was less severe reveals strategies clients have successfully used in the past.
- Compliments and Validation: Therapists highlight successes and validate efforts, building confidence and a sense of empowerment.
Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Research demonstrates the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy across individual, family, and organizational contexts.
Meta-analyses show SFBT’s positive impact on depression, anxiety, and relationship issues, making it a versatile and efficient therapeutic option
(Kim, 2008).
Conclusion
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy empowers clients to focus on solutions, leverage strengths, and pursue achievable goals.
Its structured, brief approach and evidence-based techniques make it a practical tool for fostering meaningful, lasting change.
References
de Shazer, S. (1985). Keys to Solution in Brief Therapy. W.W. Norton & Company.
Kim, J. S. (2008). Examining the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy: A meta-analysis.
Research on Social Work Practice, 18(2), 107–116.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731507307807
