Solution Focused Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a widely used therapeutic treatment that is future and present focused working towards goals. Unlike traditional forms of therapy that take time to analyze problems, pathology, and past life events, SFBT concentrates on finding solutions in the present and exploring one’s hope for the future in order to find a quick and pragmatic resolution of one’s problems. SFBT is used in therapy as well as coaching.
Solution-focused therapy, also called solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), is a type of therapy that places more importance on discussing solutions than problems. You must discuss the problem to find a solution, but beyond understanding what the problem is and deciding how to address it, solution-focused therapy will not dwell on every detail of the problem you are experiencing.
Solution-focused brief therapy also does not require a deep dive into your childhood and the ways in which your past has influenced your present. Instead, it will root your sessions firmly in the present while working toward a future solution in which your current problems have less of an impact on your life.
More helpful information about solution-focused therapy…
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a goal-oriented, strengths-based approach to psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients identify and build upon their existing resources and strengths to create positive change in their lives. Developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the 1980s, SFT is grounded in the idea that clients have the capacity to solve their own problems and that change can occur relatively quickly once a clear vision of the desired outcome is established.
Here are the key principles and techniques of Solution-Focused Therapy:
Focus on Solutions: SFT places emphasis on identifying and amplifying solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Therapists help clients envision a future where their problems are resolved and focus on identifying steps they can take to move toward that desired outcome.
Goal-Oriented: SFT is highly goal-oriented. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to define clear, concrete, and achievable goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). These goals provide direction and focus for the therapeutic process.
Strengths-Based: Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes the strengths, resources, and successes of clients. Therapists help clients identify their strengths, talents, and past successes, which serve as the foundation for building solutions to current challenges.
Brief and Time-Limited: SFT is typically brief and time-limited, with a focus on creating change in a relatively short period. Sessions are structured to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, often lasting 5 to 10 sessions or fewer, depending on the client's needs and goals.
Solution-Focused Questions: Therapists use a variety of solution-focused questions to facilitate the therapeutic process. These questions are designed to elicit information about clients' goals, strengths, resources, and past successes, as well as to generate ideas for solutions. Examples of solution-focused questions include the Miracle Question ("If a miracle happened overnight and your problem was solved, what would be different?") and the Scaling Question ("On a scale of 0 to 10, where are you now in relation to your goal? What would it take to move one step higher?").
Exception Seeking: SFT focuses on identifying exceptions to the problem—times when the problem is less severe or absent altogether. Therapists help clients explore these exceptions to gain insight into what is already working and to identify strategies for building upon these positive experiences.
Feedback and Reinforcement: Therapists provide feedback and reinforcement to clients as they make progress toward their goals. Celebrating small successes and acknowledging progress helps to motivate clients and reinforces their sense of agency and competence.
Solution-Focused Therapy has been applied across a wide range of settings and populations, including individuals, couples, families, and organizations. It has been found to be effective in addressing various issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, addiction, and trauma. Its emphasis on collaboration, empowerment, and rapid change makes it a popular and accessible approach to therapy for many clients.
About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW is a New York State licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner and Couple Therapist with a private practice in New York City, Montana and virtually. As a wellness psychotherapist and holistic consultant, she has receive advanced, extensive training in Trauma Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health. She is passionate about honoring the exquisite interplay of the mind-body connection. Kimberly Seelbrede specializes in anxiety & mood disorders, trauma and women’s mental health. She brings over 20 years of counseling, coaching, and healing experience to her holistic practice and transformational work.
In addition to online therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles, Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy professionals. New Yorkers often lead fast-paced and complex lives, which makes work-life balance and managing career, family and social obligations a challenge. Psychotherapy and wellness practices provides the support to help clients cultivate resources, resilience and enhanced emotional health, as well as uncover conflicts and obstacles that may interfere with having the life they desire.