Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Focus on Solutions, Not Problems

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)[1] is a unique therapeutic approach that emphasizes solutions rather than delving deeply into problems. Developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the late 1970s, this method encourages clients to envision their desired future and harness their existing strengths to achieve their goals.

Focus on Solutions, Not Problems
At its core, SFBT[2] is driven by the belief that focusing on solutions is more effective than analyzing problems. This fundamental principle shapes every aspect of the therapy and distinguishes it from other therapeutic models.

Why Focus on Solutions?

1. Empowerment Through Positivity
   By concentrating on what can be done to improve a situation, SFBT empowers clients. This positive approach fosters a sense of hope and possibility, which is crucial for motivating change.[3]
2. Efficiency in Therapy
   Dwelling on problems can often lead to a cycle of negativity and stagnation. SFBT breaks this cycle by steering conversations towards actionable solutions, making therapy more efficient and goal-oriented.
3. Leveraging Strengths and Resources
   Focusing on solutions helps clients recognize and utilize their strengths and resources. This perspective shift allows clients to see themselves as capable and resourceful, which boosts their confidence and self-efficacy.
4. Future-Oriented Approach
   Solutions are inherently future-focused. SFBT encourages clients to envision a preferred future where their problems are resolved. This vision acts as a guiding light, helping clients navigate their path to change.[4]

Techniques for Focusing on Solutions

1. The Miracle Question
   A hallmark of SFBT, the miracle question asks clients to imagine that their problem is miraculously resolved overnight. This exercise helps clients clarify their goals and envision the steps needed to achieve their desired future.[5]Example: “If you woke up tomorrow and your problem was completely gone, what would be different? How would you know things had changed?”
2. Exception-Finding Questions
   These questions help clients identify times when their problem was less severe or absent.[6] Highlighting these exceptions underscores the client’s ability to manage and overcome challenges.Example: “Can you think of a time when this problem did not occur or was less intense? What was different about that time?”
3. Scaling Questions
   Clients rate their current situation or progress on a scale (e.g., 1 to 10). This technique helps track improvements and encourages clients by showing incremental progress.Example: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your current situation? What would it take to move from a 5 to a 6?”
4. Compliments and Positive Reinforcement
   Therapists use compliments[7] to acknowledge clients’ strengths and achievements. This positive reinforcement helps build clients’ confidence and motivates further progress.Example: “It’s impressive how you’ve managed to keep going despite the challenges. What do you think has helped you stay resilient?”
5. Coping Questions
   These questions explore how clients have managed to cope with their issues so far.[8] Recognizing past coping strategies can help clients apply these methods to current challenges.Example: “Given the difficulty of your situation, how have you managed to cope up until now?”

Benefits of a Solution-Focused Approach

1. Empowerment
   By focusing on what can be done, clients feel more empowered and capable of making positive changes in their lives.
2. Efficiency
   The solution-focused approach makes therapy more efficient by quickly identifying and working towards concrete goals.[9]
3. Positive Outlook
   Emphasizing solutions fosters a positive and hopeful outlook, which can enhance clients’ motivation and engagement in the therapeutic process.
4. Practical Application
   Solutions are actionable and practical, providing clients with clear steps they can take to improve their situation.

In conclusion, the core principle of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy—focusing on solutions, not problems—offers a refreshing and effective way to foster client well-being and growth. By shifting the focus from problems to solutions, SFBT empowers clients to harness their strengths and create meaningful and lasting change in their lives. This approach not only enhances the therapeutic process but also instills a sense of hope and possibility, which is essential for sustained personal development.

[1] Gingerich, Wallace J., and Lance T. Peterson. “Effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy: A systematic qualitative review of controlled outcome studies.” Research on Social Work Practice 23.3 (2013): 266-283.

[2] Franklin, Cynthia, ed. Solution-focused brief therapy: A handbook of evidence-based practice. Oxford University Press, 2012.

[3] Ji, Yujing, and Limin Zhang. “Intervention Effect of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Based on Empowerment Theory on Loneliness in Obese Children.” Iranian Journal of Public Health 52.8 (2023): 1692.

[4] Duffy, Maureen. “Solution-focused brief therapy: listening in the present with an ear toward the future.” Discursive perspectives in therapeutic practice (2012): 143-162.

[5] De Shazer, Steve, et al. More than miracles: The state of the art of solution-focused brief therapy. Routledge, 2021.

[6] Neipp, Marie‐Carmen, et al. “Solution‐focused versus problem‐focused questions: Differential effects of miracles, exceptions and scales.” Journal of Family Therapy 43.4 (2021): 728-747.

[7] Thomas, Frank. “Complimenting in solution-focused brief therapy.” Journal of Solution Focused Practices 2.1 (2016): 3.

[8] Bannink, Fredrike. 101 solution-focused questions for help with trauma. WW Norton & Company, 2015.

[9] Kim, Johnny S. “Examining the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy: A meta-analysis.” Research on Social Work Practice 18.2 (2008): 107-116.