What Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and How Does It Work?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented, strengths-based approach that focuses on solutions rather than problems. Instead of spending extensive time analyzing what's wrong, SFBT helps you identify what's already working, clarify your preferred future, and take small, practical steps toward your goals.
This approach recognizes that you already have the resources and strengths needed for change. Through structured conversations and targeted techniques, SFBT helps you discover and amplify these existing capabilities to create meaningful improvements in your life.
Key Benefits
Rapid Progress Toward Clear Goals
Therapy is centered around specific, realistic goals with immediate application.
Strengths-Based Mindset
Emphasizes what’s working rather than what’s broken.
Flexible and Time-Efficient
Ideal for clients seeking effective support in a short timeframe.
Encourages Hope and Self-Efficacy
Clients gain confidence by recognizing their own solutions and abilities.
Treatment Goals
Clarify Preferred Future
Define what life would look like if things improved—even just a little.
Identify Existing Strengths
Recognize what’s already helping, even if it feels small or inconsistent.
Spot Exceptions
Pinpoint times when the problem wasn’t happening and explore why.
Create Small, Doable Next Steps
Focus on realistic, action-based changes that build momentum.
Brief, Strength-Based Therapy for Fast, Practical Results
SFBT is a future-oriented, short-term approach that emphasizes your existing resources rather than analyzing problems. By focusing on what’s already working, this therapy helps you define goals, identify strengths, and take small steps toward change—often in just a few sessions.
Goal Clarification and Future Visioning
Clients describe their “preferred future,” outlining what life would look like without the problem.
Exception Identification
Explore past moments—however brief—when the issue wasn’t present.
Scaling Questions and Progress Markers
Use numeric scales to track readiness, confidence, and perceived progress.
Identifying Strengths and Resources
Spot personal and relational strengths that have already supported change.
Homework and Real-World Application
Clients try small actions between sessions and reflect on what worked.
Miracle Question Worksheet
Clients describe in detail what life would look like if the problem disappeared overnight.
Exception Log
Track times during the week when the problem wasn’t present and what helped.
Scaling Tracker
Monitor changes in motivation, effort, and confidence using a 1–10 scale.
Strength Spotting Worksheet
List personal traits or past successes that support current goals.
