What Is Solution Focused Brief Therapy

What Is Solution Focused Brief Therapy Psychotherapy Print How Solution Focused Brief Therapy Works By Jenev Caddell, PsyD facebook twitter linkedin Jenev Caddell, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist, relationship coach, and author. Learn about our editorial policy Jenev Caddell, PsyD Updated on October 14, 2019 Jon Bradley / Getty Images More in Psychotherapy Online Therapy Many psychotherapists or coaches might describe themselves as solution-focused, and they may indeed be focusing on helping their clients reach solutions. This article discusses  a form of psychotherapy called Solution Focused Brief Therapy that has been used internationally and in coaching and psychotherapy. Overview SFBT is a strength-based form of psychotherapy. It was originally developed in the 1970s and 1980s by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve deShazer at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The foundation of SFBT is about what is going right with clients, as opposed to the focus of many other forms of therapy which is on the problems that people are experiencing. When someone decides to see a psychotherapist, it is usually because things are not going as well in his or her life as he or she would like. There is usually some kind of problem. People have a tendency to focus on the negative, but SFBT utilizes conversation and language to help shift the focus on what is working and create more solutions as a result. What Its Not Unlike many traditional forms of psychotherapy such as cognitive  behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy, SFBT is not based on any theory. It is not about solving problems, diagnosing mental illness, or healing sicknesses. There is not a focus on the past, such as ones childhood, unless the therapist and client are discussing strengths and situations in which the client was resilient. SFBT is also not based on insight, unlike some approaches such as psychoanalytic theories. How It Works SFBT is an approach that falls under the umbrella of constructive therapies. Constructivism posits that people are meaning makers and are ultimately the creators of their own realities. The SFBT therapist believes that change in life is inevitable. Because someone creates his or her own reality, he or she may as well change for the better. In SFBT, the therapist is a skilled conversation facilitator. The therapist does not hold herself as an expert and retains a position of curiosity and not-knowing.  Drawing  upon the clients expertise on themselves, the therapist uses solution focused questions  to demonstrate their strengths, resources, desires and the path to reaching their goals. With the focus shifted to what is already working in a clients life, and how things will look when they are better, more room opens up for the solutions to arrive. Simplicity SFBT is a form of brief therapy because it is not meant to continue for years, as are  some forms of therapy. By working with a Solution Focused therapist, you can expect a simple approach based on clear, solution-oriented questions. There is an emphasis on simplicity, and the most simple way to the solution is the most preferable. Steve deShazer was a big fan of William of Ockham  and Ockhams razor: What can be done in fewer means is done in vain with many. If you are looking to dissect your childhood or come upon a great deal of insight about your lifes trajectory, SFBT may not be the kind of therapy you are looking for. If, however, you want laser focused help to move into a new area of your life, without getting lost in the details, SFBT may be a good fit for you. Find Help With the 9 Best Online Therapy Programs