What is Solution-Focused Therapy?

by Hamish Webb | Sep 30, 2024 | Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Founded in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg,
SFT emphasises problem-solving rather than problems (de Shazer et al., 2007,
pp. 2-4).

Solution-Focused Therapy Principles

SFT’s has 12 fundamental assumptions these are:

Assumption 1 – Positive Focus

Positive focus is talking through what the client is doing
that works or what the client could be doing to make a difference. As this
process happens the client’s perspective can change from a problem to seeing
the strength in themselves and being able to solve the problem.

Blaming stops and empowering starts. Hopefully, they start to
see people working together to find a solution.

Assumption 2 – Exceptions suggest solutions

Examining exceptions can let the client look at times when
things went right. It empowers them and helps them move the client away from
generalisations and catastrophising. The client can examine the exception to
help find out what a solution might look like.

Assumption 3 – Nothing is always the same.

Change is occurring all the time. The only constant is
change.   

Assumption 4 – Small change is generative.

This assumption can help overcome problems which seem large, overwhelming,
or too many problems to handle. The idea is that a small change can multiply to
make a big difference.

Assumption 5 – Cooperation is inevitable.

This assumption takes away the idea that a client is
resistant and assumes the client is being consistent with how they think.

Assumption 6 – People are resourceful.

This assumes that the client has what they need to solve
their problem and takes the focus away from the source of the problem.

Assumption 7 – Meaning and experience are interactionally
constructed.

Meaning and experience affect each other, so if the client
changes the meaning of their experience, then the problem may no longer be a
problem.  

Assumption 8 – Recursiveness

There is a relationship between how one describes a problem
or goal and what action they take. If a client is dissatisfied with a result,
they can look at what further actions they might take or change the way they
think about the problem.      

Assumption 9 – Meaning is in the response

The onus for clear communication is on the counsellor and not
on the client for misunderstanding.

Assumption 10 – The client is the expert

The client knows their life best and when in therapy will be
able to find solutions.  

Assumption 11 – Unity

Any change anywhere in an interaction changes further
interactions.

 So, this circular view
can help clients change their interactions with family, partners and others in
the world around them.

Assumption 12 – Group Membership

The idea is that everyone in a treatment group (client, protective
services, teachers, family members, etc) share a goal. The people within the
group may disagree on the problem, goal, and possible solutions.  

The Goal of SFT

In solution-focused therapy, the counsellor listens to the
client describing the problem. The counsellor will ask for fewer details about
the nature and severity of the problem and will not ask about its possible
causes (Ratner et al., 2012, pp. 22-25).

The less time spent talking about the problem, the more time
that can be spent talking about the solutions, which is the goal of this
therapy.

Developing goals may involve asking a miracle question, this
question helps detail how their life will be different without the
problem. 

From there, the counsellor can help the client explore
exceptions by encouraging them to think about a time when they didn’t have the
problem.  

End-of-session feedback for SFT usually consists of affirming
what the client is doing well, helping to consolidate their strengths. Homework
can be given in areas that haven’t been working as well for the client.
Progress can be assessed by using a scale of 1-10.

In SFT, the counsellor acts as a facilitator who helps
clients recognise their strengths and resources. The counsellor uses specific
questioning techniques to guide clients in identifying and amplifying
solutions. The therapeutic process is collaborative, with the counsellor
supporting the client in setting and achieving their goals (Franklin et al.,
2011, pp. 54-57).

SFT Techniques

Miracle Question:

The general idea is to ask the client if they are okay to
change tack for a minute or two. Then ask them if they went home tonight and
while they were asleep a miracle happened and the problem that brought them to
counselling was solved. What things would they notice are different?

 (de Shazer et al.,
2007, pp. 45-47).

Scaling Questions:

Scaling questions help clients assess their progress and
identify small steps towards their goals. Clients rate their current position
on a scale (e.g., 0 to 10) and discuss what would help them move up the scale
(Berg & Dolan, 2001, pp. 35-38).

Exception Questions:

This technique involves exploring times when the client’s
problem did not occur or was less intense. The counsellor might say “Tell me
about the times you don’t get angry”. Identifying these exceptions helps
clients discover their strengths and uncover strategies they have used in the
past (Ratner et al., 2012, pp. 29-32).

Compliments:

The counsellor uses compliments to reinforce the client’s
strengths and successes. This positive reinforcement helps build the client’s
confidence and motivation (Franklin et al., 2011, pp. 60-62).

SFT Benefits and Limitations

SFT is known for its efficiency and effectiveness, often
requiring fewer sessions than traditional therapy approaches. It is
particularly useful for clients who are motivated to change and have specific
goals. However, SFT may be less effective for clients who need to explore
deep-seated issues or who have difficulty identifying goals (de Shazer et al.,
2007, pp. 89-91).

Conclusion

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) offers a structured, positive,
and client-centred approach to therapy that focuses on building solutions
rather than analysing problems. By emphasizing strengths, past successes, and
future goals, SFT empowers clients to make meaningful changes in their lives. Perhaps
the limitation of this type of therapy is that without fully exploring past
issues the client may not have a full understanding of why the problem occurs
and therefore there would be a greater risk of reoccurrence.   

References

Berg, I. K.,
& Dolan, Y. (2001). Tales of solutions: A collection of hope-inspiring
stories. Norton Professional Books. (pp. 15-19, 35-38, 42-44).

 de Shazer,
S., Dolan, Y., Korman, H., Trepper, T., McCollum, E., & Berg, I. K. (2007).
More than miracles: The state of the art of solution-focused brief therapy.
Haworth Press. (pp. 2-4, 45-47, 89-91).

Franklin,
C., Trepper, T., Gingerich, W., & McCollum, E. (2011). Solution-focused
brief therapy: A handbook of evidence-based practice. Oxford University Press.
(pp. 54-57, 60-62).

Ratner, H.,
George, E., & Iveson, C. (2012). Solution-focused brief therapy: 100 key
points and techniques. Routledge. (pp. 22-25, 29-32).