Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) | Strategic Psychology Canberra

What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on finding solutions instead of focusing on problems. It is a goal-oriented approach that helps clients identify their strengths and resources to create practical solutions and improve their current situation.

When is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy used in psychology?

SFBT is used when individuals want to address specific problems or challenges in their lives and prefer a short-term and solution-focused approach. It can be helpful for various issues such as relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems.

What can you expect in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?

In SFBT sessions, you will work closely with your psychologist to identify your goals and desired outcomes. Instead of focusing on the problem, your psychologist will help you envision what a solution or improvement would look like and explore the steps to achieve it.

Your psychologist will ask questions to help you recognise your strengths, resources, and past successes that can be applied to the current situation. They will guide you in exploring exceptions to the problem, times when the problem was less severe or absent, to uncover strategies that have worked in the past.

SFBT is usually a short-term therapy, typically lasting a few sessions. Your psychologist will work with you to create an action plan and support you in taking small, achievable steps towards your goals. The focus is on building on your strengths and making incremental changes to create positive outcomes.

Throughout the therapy process, your psychologist will provide support, encouragement, and feedback. They will help you explore alternative perspectives and possibilities, enabling you to gain a clearer understanding of your goals and the steps to attain them. The goal of SFBT is to empower you to become self-reliant and find solutions that work for you.

Remember, therapy is personalised to your unique needs and experiences. Your psychologist will adapt the approach to ensure it is respectful, empowering, and supportive of your therapeutic journey.

Reference: Australian Psychological Society (APS) (2018) Evidence based Psychological interventions in the treatment of mental disorders- A review of the literature, APS)