For example, if a client is struggling with excruciating shyness, but typically has no trouble speaking to his or her coworkers, a solution-focused therapist would target the client’s interactions at work as an exception to the client’s usual shyness.
Table of Contents
Which techniques are commonly used in solution-focused therapy?
- Pre-session change.
- Problem-free talk.
- The miracle question.
- Exception questions.
- Do one thing different.
- Scaling questions.
- Coping questions.
- Breaks.
What are the key concepts of solution-focused therapy?
Key concepts of Solution-Focused Therapy are illustrated by techniques, including: basic assumptions; the miracle question; exception questions; scaling questions and; presupposing change. Several key concepts underlie Gestalt therapy, many of which are similar to that of person-centred and existential therapy.
Is CBT problem focused or solution-focused?
A third major difference between the two models is solution building versus problem solving. CBT is a problem-solving approach, in which the therapist seeks to identify problems and then generate the best response to fit a specific problematic situation.
How can a solution-focused approach be useful for clients struggling with mental health issues?
Turning the focus towards solutions rather than elaborating problems offers hope and optimism at times when clients feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or have become ‘stuck’. There are times when the solution-focused approach is not appropriate, particularly for young people with complex problems.
What are the five principles of solution based approach?
ยง Change is inevitable, change is a continuous process; stability is an illusion; the question is not whether but when change will occur; also talking about successes in the past, present and future is helpful.
What are the types of questions that are used in the solution-focused approach?
These are questions that help clarify what the desired outcome of a situation is. Questions like “what does the desired situation look like?” , “would you like instead of the problem?” , “what does success look like?” The what’s better question. Refocuses back on what the progress has been so far.
What are the benefits of solution-focused therapy?
SFBT actively works toward solutions. It helps patients identify what they do well. It then encourages them to use their strengths to reach their goals. Because SFBT is goal-oriented and short-term, it can be less costly and less time-consuming than long-term therapy.
When would you use solution-focused therapy?
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Self-esteem.
- Personal stress and work-related stress.
- Substance abuse/ addiction.
- Relationship problems.
What is a solution focussed approach?
Solution-focused is a future-focused, goal-directed approach to therapy that highlights the importance of searching for solutions rather than focusing on problems (Trepper, Dolan, McCollum, & Nelson, 2006; Proudlock & Wellman, 2011).
How do you write a Solution-Focused Therapy treatment plan?
- State your desire for something in your life to be different.
- Envision a miracle happening, and your life IS different.
- Make sure the miracle is important to you.
- Keep the miracle small.
- Define the change with language that is positive, specific, and behavioral.
What is the difference between CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. SFT differs from CBT in several ways. While SFT puts minimal time into describing the presenting problem and instead focuses upon possible solutions, CBT requires a clear, detailed description of the problem(s).
Does Solution-Focused Therapy help with anxiety?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is an effective treatment approach for youth managing anxiety.
Is Solution-Focused Therapy evidence-based?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an evidence-based approach to psychotherapy.
What is solution focused approach in mental health?
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a user-friendly and evidence-based approach that is effective with a range of mental health and well-being issues including anxiety, depression and trauma. Its strength-base and future-focus make it ideal for situations requiring rapid client engagement and cooperation.
What is the difference between Solution-Focused Therapy and problem solving therapy?
The problem-focus would build on first order change elements: more working the same way. The solution-focus would build on second order change elements: finding a way to work differently.
What is the role of the client in Solution-Focused Therapy?
Solution-focused therapy also considers the client the expert and not the therapist. The client is the expert because no one knows their own lives better than themselves. The therapist is basically there to guide the sessions but the client decides which direction to take.
Is solution focused approach used in schools?
CF: Yes, the solution-focused approaches are implemented in schools in the United States and in other countries and SFBT is used as a counseling approach by school social workers and counselors.
What is an example of a solution-focused question?
“Why can’t I get a job?” “Why am I always so broke?” “Why can’t I lose weight?” These seemingly valid questions can wreak havoc on your life and your success. Whoever first said, “There are no bad questions,” was dead wrong.
How effective is the solution-focused approach?
The authors concluded that there was strong evidence that solution-focused brief therapy was an effective treatment for behavioural and psychological conditions, and it might be shorter and less costly than alternative treatments.
How is Solution-Focused Therapy strength based?
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a strengths-based approach to working with children and families. It emphasises positive attributes and behaviours and how these can be applied to overcome difficulties. SFBT focuses on “life without the problem” rather than a detailed analysis of the problem itself.
How do you end a Solution-Focused Therapy session?

How many sessions are in solution focused brief therapy?
On average, solution-focused brief therapy takes about five sessions, each of which need be no more than 45 minutes long. It rarely extends beyond eight sessions and often only one session is sufficient.
What is the miracle question in Solution-Focused Therapy?
The miracle question is a popular intervention in Solution-Focused Therapy. It asks the client to imagine and discuss a possible world where problems are removed and issues addressed (Strong & Pyle, 2009). The question may take various forms, such as asking the client, “Assume your problem has been solved.
Who founded solution focused?
Steve de Shazer who, along with Insoo Kim Berg, co-founded the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach, recently passed away. In this article we will offer a brief biographical sketch and then discuss the current state of the art of SFBT as it applies to practice, training, and research.