Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: What Should You Know?

What Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?

Solution-focused therapy, also known as “Brief therapy,” is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes solutions rather than problems. It is based on the idea that individuals have the ability to find solutions to their problems and that therapy should focus on helping them identify and utilize these solutions. The credit for this therapy goes to the husband-wife duo, Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, who developed this therapy at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee during the late 1970s and 1980s.

Solution-focused therapy is different from other forms of therapy in several ways. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on exploring the past and understanding the origins of a person’s problems, solution-focused therapy focuses on the present and the future. It helps individuals identify and utilize their strengths and resources to solve their problems. This type of therapy aims to identify solutions rather than dwell on problems.

During a solution-focused therapy session, the therapist will work with the individual to identify their goals and the specific solutions they would like to achieve. The therapist will then help the individual to develop a plan of action to achieve these goals. The therapist will also help the individual identify any obstacles that may prevent them from achieving their goals and develop strategies to overcome them.

The therapist will ask you questions that help you look at your situation from a different perspective, such as:

  • What is the problem?
  • How can we solve it?
  • What would be an ideal solution for this situation?

You’ll also be encouraged to think about how you might feel if the problem were solved, which can help you identify potential solutions that have been obscure.

Solution-focused therapy seeks to help the patient change his behaviour by changing his thoughts about a particular situation or himself as an individual.

The therapist asks the patients to find solutions by asking several specific questions during each session, including about past experiences and goals for the future. This process aims to help the patients change their behaviour by changing their thoughts about a particular situation or themselves.

A series of six to 12 one-hour sessions are designed to be sufficient for implementing positive change in the patient’s life. The therapist will work with you on identifying your specific goals, which could include:

  • Taking better care of yourself physically and mentally;
  • Learning how to make friends;
  • Dealing with conflict in healthy ways; or
  • Finding ways to manage stress better.

Solution-focused brief therapy is based on a series of key concepts called “the miracle question.”

The miracle question is a way of asking the patient to think about what would happen if the problem were solved. It’s a question that encourages the patient to think about the future and possibilities rather than dwelling on past failures or current limitations. In solution-focused brief therapy, therapists often ask their clients, “What do you want?” or “What’s your goal?” Instead of asking these questions at first, they may start by asking: “If we could wave a magic wand and make all this go away right now–all of it–what would be different in your life?”

This approach emphasizes five basic principles or concepts in order to uncover creative solutions for patients with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or eating disorders.

To uncover creative solutions for patients with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse or eating disorders. The approach emphasizes five basic principles or concepts:

  • The client is a problem solver.
  • There is hope and possibility in the present moment.
  • Change is possible through collaboration between therapist and client.
  • We can’t change what we don’t notice about ourselves or our circumstances–so we need to pay attention to our experiences in the present moment (and not just focus on the past).

This kind of therapy is used as a form of treatment for a wide range of problems and concerns. It is particularly effective in addressing issues related to work and career, relationships, and personal growth. It can also help individuals with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

Conclusion

Solution-focused therapy emphasizes solutions rather than problems, premising itself on the idea that individuals have the ability to find solutions to their problems and that therapy should focus on helping them identify and utilize these solutions. It is different from other forms of therapy in that it is brief, focuses on the present and future, and helps individuals to identify and utilize their strengths and resources to find solutions to their problems. If you want to know more about this therapy or whether this is suited for you, get in touch. 

Take that first step, and our team at NOVA Psychology promises to be there for you!

If you’re looking for help in managing anxiety, stress, or issues related to your personal or professional life, working with a psychologist may be helpful for you. At Nova Psychology, we offer counselling services in Edmonton. We specialize in individual counselling for grief & loss, stress and burnout, complex/developmental trauma,, parenting issues, self-esteem and body image-related issues. We also provide counselling on LGBTQ+ Issues, gender and sexuality/gender identity, life transitions and personal growth & development-related issues. Contact us to learn more about our services or to book an appointment.