Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
SFBT emphasises solutions rather than problems. It helps clients identify strengths and resources to achieve specific goals. Techniques include scaling questions and envisioning preferred futures, making it a short-term, goal-oriented approach.
What is SFBT?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a short-term, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that emphasises solutions rather than problems. Developed in the 1980s, it focuses on clients’ strengths and resources to create positive change quickly.
Unlike traditional therapies that explore the root causes of issues, SFBT concentrates on what works and how to replicate success. It encourages clients to envision their preferred future and identify practical steps to achieve it.
This collaborative method is widely used for mental health, coaching, and organisational settings because of its efficiency and adaptability. Sessions typically last fewer than ten meetings, making it cost-effective and time-sensitive.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress-related issues
- Relationship conflicts
- Low self-esteem
- Behavioural challenges
- Adjustment difficulties
- Mild trauma
What are the underlying scientific principles?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy model developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. It is grounded in social constructivism and empirical observation, emphasising solutions rather than problems. Instead of exploring the origins of difficulties, SFBT focuses on clients’ strengths, resources, and desired future outcomes. The approach assumes that individuals already possess the capabilities to create meaningful change. By fostering collaboration and highlighting exceptions to problems, SFBT promotes rapid progress and practical strategies. Its efficiency and adaptability make it widely used in mental health, education, and organisational contexts.
Social Constructivism
SFBT is rooted in social constructivist theory, viewing reality as co-constructed through dialogue. Therapy focuses on shaping narratives toward possibility rather than pathology, empowering clients to envision achievable futures.
Future Orientation
Client Expertise
Clients are considered experts in their own lives. Therapists facilitate discovery rather than prescribe solutions, reinforcing autonomy and self-efficacy in creating personalised strategies for change.
Strengths-Based Approach
Therapy highlights existing resources, resilience, and successful past behaviours. By amplifying what works, SFBT fosters confidence and leverages inherent capabilities to overcome challenges effectively.
Change is Constant
SFBT assumes change is inevitable and possible. Even small shifts can lead to significant transformation, encouraging clients to notice and build upon positive differences in their lives.
Empirical Pragmatism
How does it work?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a short-term, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that emphasises solutions rather than problems. Developed in the 1980s, SFBT helps clients identify strengths and resources to create positive change. Instead of analysing past issues, it focuses on present and future possibilities, encouraging clients to envision their preferred outcomes. The therapist collaborates with clients to set achievable goals and explore practical steps towards them. This approach is widely used in counselling, coaching, and organisational settings because of its efficiency and empowering nature. SFBT promotes hope, resilience, and self-efficacy, making it ideal for time-limited interventions.
Goal-Oriented Focus
SFBT prioritises clear, achievable goals set by the client, shifting attention from problems to desired outcomes. This fosters motivation and clarity, enabling practical steps toward meaningful change.
Future Orientation
Rather than dwelling on past difficulties, SFBT encourages clients to imagine a preferred future. This positive outlook helps build hope and directs energy towards constructive actions.
Client Strengths and Resources
Therapists highlight existing skills, successes, and resources. By recognising what already works, clients gain confidence and use their strengths to overcome challenges effectively.
Brief and Time-Efficient
Typically lasting 3–8 sessions, SFBT is designed for quick results. Its structured, solution-focused nature makes it ideal for busy individuals or organisations seeking rapid improvement.
Collaborative Partnership
Therapists and clients work as equals, fostering empowerment and respect. This partnership ensures solutions are tailored to the client’s context and values, enhancing engagement and ownership.
Use of Scaling Questions
SFBT employs scaling questions (e.g., rating progress from 0–10) to measure improvement and clarify goals. This simple tool promotes reflection and tracks change effectively.
When Is It Used?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is typically used when individuals or groups seek practical, short-term strategies to overcome challenges without delving deeply into past problems. It is applied in contexts such as counselling, coaching, mental health support, and organisational development. SFBT focuses on identifying strengths, resources, and achievable goals, making it ideal for situations where time is limited or rapid progress is needed. Common uses include addressing stress, improving communication, resolving workplace conflicts, and supporting behavioural change. By emphasising solutions rather than problems, SFBT empowers clients to create actionable steps towards positive outcomes efficiently and effectively.
Conditions and Issues Where ACT Is Commonly Applied
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
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FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.