The Solution Focused Approach

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), also known as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), originated in the 1980s as a brief, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on exploring solutions to clients' problems rather than dwelling on the problems themselves. The approach was developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg and their colleagues at the The Brief Family Therapy Center (BFTC)  and was influenced by a variety of systems, strategic, and brief therapy models.

Key origins and influences of Solution-Focused Therapy were:

• Key influences came from brief therapy models like those of Jay Haley and Milton Erickson, who were early pioneers of strategic and brief therapy. These models emphasized practical interventions, actionable steps, and changing behaviors to solve problems quickly. However, where Solution-Focused Therapy diverged from traditional models was in its positive, future-oriented perspective. While many brief therapy models still focused on analyzing problems, SFT placed more value on how clients could build on their own strengths and resources.
• In essence, Solution-Focused Therapy emerged from the desire to offer a brief, positive, and practical approach to helping clients resolve issues by focusing on what works rather than on what’s wrong. It’s now widely recognized as an effective approach for a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and more.
• Solution-focused therapy also draws from constructivist theories, which hold that people construct their own reality through their perceptions, experiences, and the meaning they attach to events. The therapy assumes that clients have the ability to create new realities through small, positive changes. By focusing on solutions rather than problems, clients can reframe their perceptions and find ways to move forward
• As the approach gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s, it spread worldwide. The focus on short-term therapy, collaboration, and empowerment made it attractive to a wide range of therapists and professionals, especially in settings where time and resources were limited (e.g., community mental health centers, family therapy, and crisis intervention).
• Today, solution-focused practices are widely used not only in mental health settings but also in personal and professional development, various areas of organizational psychology, schools, and coaching. Through its practical, goal-oriented nature, which emphasizes strengths and solutions rather than problems, it helps individuals and teams efficiently navigate challenges, foster positive change, and enhance productivity in both personal and professional settings. The approach’s adaptability, brevity, and focus on building on existing resources make it particularly effective in diverse environments.

What does it feel like to be in a solution-focused conversation? 

Being in a solution-focused conversation typically feels uplifting, forward-looking, and empowering. Here are some common experiences and feelings you might have during such a conversation:

1. Hopeful and Positive:

• Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the problem, the conversation helps you feel more hopeful. The focus is on possibilities and solutions, so it’s not about being stuck in the problem, but rather imagining how things could improve.
• The approach encourages you to think about what could work rather than dwelling on what hasn’t worked or what’s wrong.

2. Empowered and In Control:

• You’re actively involved in the conversation, and your input and ideas are valued. The conversation makes you feel like the expert of your own life, as the therapist or conversation partner asks questions to help you explore your strengths and resources.
• It helps you realize that you have the power to create change, even in small ways.

3. Clear and Focused:

• The conversation is goal-oriented, and you leave feeling clearer about what you want to achieve and what steps you can take next. The focus on solutions helps to filter out irrelevant details and keeps the discussion focused on what can help you move forward.
• You’re not overwhelmed by endless analysis of the past or problem, but instead thinking about what can be done now.

4. Encouraging and Supportive:

• You may feel validated because the approach highlights your strengths and successes, even in small forms. The conversation is often non-judgmental, creating a safe space for exploration without pressure.
• Positive reinforcement helps you recognize times when things were better, making you feel that change is possible.

5. Motivated and Energized:

• After a solution-focused conversation, you may feel more motivated to take action. The small, actionable steps discussed provide a sense of direction and make the task ahead feel manageable.
• The conversation’s optimism can create a sense of momentum to keep working toward your goals.

6. Less Overwhelmed:

• Instead of feeling stuck or bogged down by the problem, a solution-focused conversation often makes you feel like you’re moving forward. The focus is on what’s working, and you feel a sense of relief that it’s not about endlessly discussing the problem.
• You’re also encouraged to think about times when things have gone well, reducing the intensity of negative emotions.

7. Collaborative and Supportive:

• The conversation is often very collaborative, where both parties work together to explore ideas and possible solutions. It’s more like working alongside someone than being told what to do. This can feel validating and non-judgmental.
• It’s supportive, as it assumes that you have the capacity to change and grow, and the person you’re speaking with is there to help you discover that within yourself.

8. Focused on the Future:

• The conversation is always looking ahead. You might feel like the past isn’t being rehashed endlessly. Instead, the focus is on how things can improve and what the next steps are.
• This future-focused approach helps you feel like there’s always something you can do, which can be incredibly motivating.

In summary, a solution-focused conversation typically feels energizing, empowering, and hopeful, with a clear emphasis on practical solutions and steps forward. You leave the conversation with a stronger sense of control over your situation and a better idea of how to achieve your goals.