Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented approach to counseling that focuses on solutions rather than problems. It helps clients imagine the life they want and identify steps to move toward it. Instead of analyzing the root causes of emotional issues, SFBT works with a person’s strengths, resources, and past successes to create meaningful change in the present.
This method was developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, who believed that clients already possess the knowledge and ability to solve their own problems. The role of the therapist is to help them discover and apply those inner resources—often in just a few sessions.
Focus on the future, not the past
Unlike traditional therapy models that spend time exploring the origins of a problem or analyzing deep emotional wounds, SFBT is primarily concerned with what the client wants to achieve. It shifts the conversation away from “Why is this happening?” and toward “What would life look like if this problem were solved?”
Clients are encouraged to describe their preferred future in clear, specific terms. The therapist then helps them identify small, achievable steps they can take to get there. This forward-thinking approach can be especially empowering for people who feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Core principles of SFBT
Several core ideas shape the structure and spirit of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy:
If something works, do more of it – Therapy builds on what’s already helping, no matter how small.
Change is constant and inevitable – Even when problems feel fixed, clients are constantly changing and growing.
The client is the expert – Clients know their lives best. The therapist supports but doesn’t direct.
Focus on solutions, not problems – Talking too much about the problem can reinforce it; focusing on goals encourages progress.
This approach is not about ignoring pain or pretending problems don’t exist. Instead, it recognizes that clients can move forward without fully understanding every aspect of their difficulty.
Techniques used in SFBT
Therapists use a set of specialized questions and exercises to help clients build clarity and confidence:
The Miracle Question – “Suppose you wake up tomorrow and the problem is gone. How would you know? What would be different?” This powerful question helps clients picture their ideal life and set goals.
Scaling Questions – Clients rate their progress or confidence on a scale from 0 to 10. This makes change measurable and helps track growth.
Exception Finding – The therapist explores times when the problem was less intense or absent. These moments provide clues to what already works.
Strength and Resource Identification – Clients reflect on skills, people, or past experiences that support them.
These techniques are simple but effective in helping clients shift their mindset from being problem-focused to possibility-focused.
Who can benefit from SFBT?
SFBT can be used with individuals, couples, families, and even groups. It’s been applied in schools, workplaces, addiction treatment centers, and crisis situations. It works well for people dealing with:
- Relationship conflicts
- Anxiety or stress
- Life transitions
- Mild to moderate depression
- Motivation or confidence issues
Because it’s brief and focused, it’s also a good fit for those who may not want long-term therapy or who have limited access to services.
Benefits of SFBT
- Quick results – Many clients see progress in just a few sessions.
- Empowering – It helps people focus on strengths instead of weaknesses.
- Positive and hopeful – SFBT encourages clients to believe in change.
- Flexible – It can be used across different cultures, age groups, and problems.
Conclusion
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy offers a refreshing and effective way to approach mental health challenges. By focusing on what’s possible rather than what’s wrong, it helps clients build confidence, take action, and create meaningful change. In a world that often feels complicated, SFBT shows that sometimes the best path forward starts with a single hopeful question and a small step in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are solution-based brief therapy and brief psychodynamic theory the same?
No, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Brief Psychodynamic Therapy are not the same. SFBT is a short-term, goal-oriented approach that focuses on clients’ strengths, solutions, and the future, helping them build on what already works without digging into the past. In contrast, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy is rooted in psychoanalytic theory and explores unconscious patterns, past experiences, and unresolved emotional conflicts to create insight and lasting change. While both are time-limited, SFBT is practical and forward-looking, whereas brief psychodynamic therapy is reflective and insight-focused.