Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented and future-focused therapeutic approach that emerged in the 1980s. Developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, SFBT is based on the idea that clients are the experts in their own lives, and the therapist's role is to help them identify and amplify their strengths and resources to create positive change.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a non-judgmental, compassionate approach. It helps clients identify their goals and motivates clients to move forward in life rather than getting stuck in the past. It can help clients identify their problems and find a goal to overcome them. SFBT focuses on creating solutions to challenges rather than gaining insight into them.

What are the benefits of SFBT?                

• According to this 2019 research review, SFBT has consistently been found to be effective for managing emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues.
• SFBT is a short-term form of psychotherapy, meaning you need fewer sessions to feel better.
• SFBT provides tools and techniques that can be quickly applied outside of therapy sessions. This can lead to a more immediate impact on your life.
• The nature of SFBT helps you develop the skill of problem-solving.
• The approach empowers clients by involving them in the process of identifying and working toward solutions. This active involvement can increase their sense of control over their lives.
• Considered culturally sensitive, SFBT allows clients to define their own goals and solutions based on their unique cultural backgrounds and values.
• Can be used for a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem
• Can be used for marital problems and behavioral issues

Example of Solutions-Focused Therapy

An example of a Solution-Focused Therapy technique is using strength-based questions. The therapist uses these questions to assist individuals in gaining a deeper understanding of their strengths and how these strengths can be effectively utilized in different situations. While this idea may seem simple, it can be challenging for individuals.

Have you ever noticed how, at times, you can perceive something about a person that they might be unable to see? This phenomenon happens because we often lack the perspective that others possess. When we have been accustomed to certain abilities throughout our entire lives, we may not recognize them as significant or view them as strengths. However, someone with an alternative perspective can help highlight these strengths, offering insight on how to use them to overcome difficulties.

How Our Solution-Focused Therapy is Unique

At Awaken Counseling, our approach to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) stands out for its integrated and flexible nature. We don't strictly adhere to SFBT. We recognize that an integrated approach is important. For instance, would you want to only focus on solutions in therapy? We want to make sure you feel heard and understood, and we also want to help you find insight into the challenges you are experiencing.

We blend SFBT with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address distorted thoughts and behaviors contributing to distress. Additionally, our inclusion of insight-oriented techniques helps you explore the roots of your challenges. Our therapy is tailored to individual needs. We flexibly integrate techniques based on what will benefit you the most, adjusting our approach as we go. This client-centered flexibility is part of our personalized and comprehensive approach.