The Who of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) was introduced in the early 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. Their story began in the 1970s in a Mental Research Institute and was inspired by psychiatrist Milton Erickson's work, which was brief and short-term. Through studying Erickson's work, de Shazer began to see distinct patterns in Erickson's methods. This all eventually led to the use of scaling questions used in SFBT.
The What of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
SFBT is a goal-directed approach that emphasizes solutions rather than problems. It focuses on identifying and leveraging the individual's existing strengths and resources. It is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based approach that incorporates positive psychology principles that help individuals achieve desired change by creating solutions from the tools and wisdom they already hold within themselves.
The How of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Key processes of SFBT:
Goal Setting: Establishing clear, specific, and achievable goals early in therapy.
Miracle Question: Asking clients to envision how their lives would change if their problem was miraculously solved.
Scaling Questions: Using scales (e.g., 0 to 10) to measure progress and confidence in achieving goals.
Exception Seeking: Identifying times when the problem does not occur or is less intense to build on existing strengths and resources.
SFBT is best suited for people who are seeking short-term therapy for very specific and acute issues. This is not so much for people with chronic depression or anxiety and is more for people who want quick solutions. SFBT is great for helping people to discover and build on their existing strengths and tools. It empowers people and helps them learn that they are capable of helping themselves.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Books to Read
Interviewing for Solutions" by Peter De Jong and Insoo Kim Berg
Doing What Works in Brief Therapy: A Strategic Solution Focused Approach" by Ellen K. Quick
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Its Effective Use in Agency Settings" by Teri Pichot and Yvonne Dolan
More Than Miracles: The State of the Art of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy" by Steve de Shazer and Yvonne Dolan
Solution-Focused Therapy" by Alasdair Macdonald
The Solution-Focused Helper: Ethics and Practice in Health and Social Care" by Trish Walsh
Parting thoughts
Every modality of therapy that exists today has value and merit. It is about finding the one that best meets your needs and values. There is no one-size-fits-all modality and it is crucial for you to find the one that works best for you. Just like when you were in school and you did best in subjects where you loved your teacher, you will also do better with therapy when you love your practitioner so it is equally as important to find the right therapist for you too. Be sure to check out the master blog Not All Therapy Is Equal: A Series to explore some of the other modalities out there.
If You Need Extra Support
Australia (Call 000 in a medical emergency)
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 1300 22 46 36
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or SMS 0477 13 11 14
Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ (02) 9382 2991
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
Around the World
BetterHelp - https://www.betterhelp.com/
New Zealand - Lifeline - 0800 543 354
USA and Canada - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988 (call 911 in a medical emergency)
UK - Samaritans - 116 123
UK - SANEline - 0300 304 7000
Canada - https://kidshelpphone.ca/ 1800 668 68 68 or text 68 68 68
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