What is solution-focused brief therapy?

As the name suggests, solution-focused brief therapy is a goal-oriented therapeutic technique, usually adopted for a limited amount of time. Solution-focused brief therapy works with the belief that if a person has a clear idea of where they want to get, the getting there is much more likely to happen.

Rather than focusing on problems, weaknesses and limitations, solution-focused therapy emphasises strengths and possibilities for change.

Solution-focused therapists will ask a series of carefully constructed questions. These questions will focus largely on the present and the future, with a predominant focus on a 'preferred future'. In this way, the therapist helps the client create a clear picture of their future self and life, which remains the motivation and direction for the length of the therapeutic journey.

Solution-focused brief therapy is founded on the following principles:

Change is both constant and certain.
Emphasis on what is changeable and possible.
Clients must want to change.
Clients are the experts and outline their own goals.
Clients have resources and their own strengths to solve and overcome their problems.
Therapy is short-term.
Focus on the future - history is not essential.

Who benefits from solution-focused brief therapy?

A solution-focused environment is very reassuring and helpful for some people, especially those who are goal-oriented and who embrace change. The relatively small timescale required for solution-focused therapy can be attractive to those with modern, busy lifestyles.

With it's emphasis on change and forward thinking, solution-focused brief therapy can be very effective in dealing with addiction, eating disorders and relationship problems.