solution Focused Brief Therapy

What is solution focused brief Therapy?

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is one of the world’s most widely used therapeutic treatments (De Shazer, 2007, Hsu, 2011). Unlike traditional forms of therapy that take time to analyze problems, pathology, and past life events, SFBT concentrates on finding solutions in the present and exploring one’s hope for the future in order to find a quick and pragmatic resolution of one’s problems. This method takes the approach that you know what you need to do to improve your own life and, with the appropriate coaching and questioning, are capable of finding the best solutions.

SFBT was developed by Insoo Kim Berg, Steve de Shazer, and their colleagues in the late 1970s. Disillusioned by the results of traditional psychoanalysis, Berg and de Shazer wanted to create a new type of therapy that dealt less with the “why” behind challenges patients face, and more with the “how” of treating them. Originally begun out of Berg’s living room, the group went on to found the Milwaukee Brief Family Therapy Center in the early 1980s.

A review of 43 studies on SFBT found that there was “strong evidence that Solution-Focused Brief Therapy was an effective treatment for a wide variety of behavioral and psychological outcomes.”

SFBT has become particularly popular in non-Western countries, another study showed. Though the treatment started in North America, since 2013 the amount of research on SFBT in non-Western countries is twice that of Western countries.

The approach is particularly popular in Asia. In the 1980s, Berg was invited to speak and give workshops on the technique in Hong Kong. The treatment received attention and study, and soon after reached Mainland China.

Researchers suggest that the efficacy, practicality, and optimistic nature of the treatment translate well across cultures, and that the approach allows patients to maintain familial relations and personal dignity while addressing mental health issues.

When It's Used

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy can stand alone as a therapeutic intervention, or it can be used along with other therapy styles and treatments. It is not geared toward a particular population, but aims to treat patients of all ages and a variety of issues, including child behavioral problems, family dysfunction, domestic or child abuse, addiction, and relationship problems. Though not a cure for psychiatric disorders such as depression or schizophrenia, SFBT may help improve quality of life for those who suffer from these conditions.

What to Expect

Goal-setting is the foundation of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. One of the first questions a therapist asks is called the “miracle question”: “If a miracle occurred while you were asleep tonight, what changes would you notice in your life tomorrow?” This opens up your mind to creating a plan to reach your goal. Along with your therapist, you will begin to chart small, pragmatic ways to make changes in your life to achieve your goals.

One of the tenets of SFBT is a positive, respectful, and hopeful outlook on the part of the clinician. Practitioners maintain the assumption that people have the strength, wisdom, experience, and resilience to effect change. What other models view as “resistance” is viewed in SFBT as people’s natural protective mechanisms or a previous therapist’s error that does not fit the client’s situation. These assumptions make for sessions that tend to feel collegial rather than hierarchical.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy may vary for a given patient, treatment is typically complete after four to eight sessions.

How It Works

One of the original beliefs of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy practitioners was that the solution to a problem is found in the “exceptions,” or those times when one is free of the problem or taking steps to manage the problem. Working from the theory that all individuals are at least somewhat motivated to find solutions, SFBT begins with what the individual is currently doing to initiate behavioral and lifestyle changes. The therapist uses interventions such as specific questioning techniques, 0-10 scales, empathic support, and compliments to help a person recognize the virtues and strengths that have previously gotten the patient through hard times and are likely to work in the future. Individuals learn to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can’t do.

For example, a solution-focused approach would be to question the parents of a child exhibiting behavioral problems about when the child acts out and ask the parents to spot the exceptions—the occasions when the child shows good behavior—and would invite the parents to figure out how they contributed to these exceptions. Once parents discover what may be causing the exceptions, the therapists focuses them on continuing and amplifying what works.

Alternately, if parents have been taught a solution that therapists hold in high regard, but that isn’t working for them or for their child, they are invited to disregard the plan. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy suggests that no matter how good a solution might seem, if it does not work, it is not a solution.

What to Look for in A Solution-Focused Brief Therapist

One of the original beliefs of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy practitioners was that the solution to a problem is found in the “exceptions,” or those times when one is free of the problem or taking steps to manage the problem. Working from the theory that all individuals are at least somewhat motivated to find solutions, SFBT begins with what the individual is currently doing to initiate behavioral and lifestyle changes. The therapist uses interventions such as specific questioning techniques, 0-10 scales, empathic support, and compliments to help a person recognize the virtues and strengths that have previously gotten the patient through hard times and are likely to work in the future. Individuals learn to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can’t do.

For example, a solution-focused approach would be to question the parents of a child exhibiting behavioral problems about when the child acts out and ask the parents to spot the exceptions—the occasions when the child shows good behavior—and would invite the parents to figure out how they contributed to these exceptions. Once parents discover what may be causing the exceptions, the therapists focuses them on continuing and amplifying what works.

Alternately, if parents have been taught a solution that therapists hold in high regard, but that isn’t working for them or for their child, they are invited to disregard the plan. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy suggests that no matter how good a solution might seem, if it does not work, it is not a solution.

FAQs

  • MFW is open Mondays and Fridays 9am-2pm and 5:30-7:30pm. Appointments can be made by calling

    757-912-3928 or clicking the link below.

    https://marriagefamilyworks.clientsecure.me

  • MFW does not currently accept insurance. However, MFW has partnered with Erica Baker and Associates Counseling Services that allows use of most insurances such as Atena, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Behavioral Health. Call to verify your insurance is accepted.

  • Cancellation or “No Show” Fees are not covered by insurance. We have a 24hr cancellation policy. In order to avoid the cancellation fee, we ask that you please provide us with advance notice. Prepare / Enrich assessment is NOT covered by insurance.

  • Payment is due at time of service. MFW accepts payment in the form of check, cash, credit card, HSA or FSA card. Fees are based on your health insurance’s contracted rate and type of service received. For a 45min session, the fee range is $80-$250. The cost is based on time spent in therapy and type of service received.

  • No. We do not currently have a sliding fee scale. However, we are looking into incorporating a sliding fee scale in the future.

  • Services last as long as you and your provider agree they are necessary. However, MFW holds the belief that individuals do not need to be in therapy for years when evidenced based tx modalities are used. We provide cost-effective, short-term, and results-oriented services using evidenced based treatment. You can expect to be in therapy on average between 8-12 weeks.

  • Sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis. But may be tailored to your schedule. Research shows therapy is most effective with more frequent sessions and sufficient follow up care for maintenance of gains made during treatment. As you approach the “ending phase” of treatment and your goals are being reached, sessions will begin to be tapered off and entered into maintenance sessions as needed.

  • To get started, go to https://marriagefamilyworks.clientsecure.me. To schedule an appointment. You may also download the simple practice app. In the app, search for Jerome Ford and schedule an appointment. You may also e-mail MFW at JeromeFord@marriagefamilyworks.com or call at 757-912-3928 to schedule a free phone consultation.

  • Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples and family systems. MFTs treat a wide range of serious clinical problems including: depression, marital problems, anxiety, individual psychological problems and child-parent problems.

  • MFTs have graduate training (Master’s or Doctoral degree) in Marriage and Family Therapy and at least two years of clinical experience. Marriage and Family Therapy is recognized as a “core” mental health profession, along with Psychiatry, Psychology, Social Work and Psychiatric Nursing.

    Have a question that wasn’t answered here? E-mail us at jeromeford@marriagefamilyworks.com or call at 757-912-3928