Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a short term goal-focused
therapeutic approach which focuses on helping the individual
change by constructing solutions rather than investigating
problems. Articulating what the impact of positive changes
will be like on their lives is often more important than understanding
what led to the problem. Everyone has the ability to change;
the solutions are often already present in the individual's
life which is the basis for ongoing change.
SFBT concentrates on helping individuals change by relating
to how change happens rather than how problems develop. The
details and causes of the problems are not necessary to finding
the solution. The individual can envision a clear and detailed
picture of how it will be when things are better which creates
hope and expectation, making the solution more practical and
realistic. Focusing on the future, it majors on the elaboration
and the establishment of clear goals. Goals direct the therapy
and keep it focused and brief. Then individuals' strengths
and resources are concentrated on as a way of helping the
individual to recognise how to use their resources to bring
about change.
Solution focused brief therapists don't set out to artificially
limit the number of sessions. The focus is not on limiting
sessions or time, but rather helping the individual set goals
and develop strategies to reach identified goals.
Focussing on goals and how to practically achieve them by
not getting caught up with discussing the past tends to make
the therapy briefer. SFBT always endeavours to provide individuals
with the most effective treatment in the most time efficient
manner possible so that individuals can get on with living
their lives.
A number of studies have been conducted which demonstrate
the effectiveness of SFBT. A recent paper reviewed 15 controlled
studies of solution focused brief therapy which employed "objective"
measures of outcome and concluded that 13 of these showed
the approach achieved successful client outcomes. (Gingerich,W.
J. & Eisengart, S. (1999). Solution-focused brief therapy:
A review of the outcome research. Paper presented at the meeting
of the International Family Therapy Association Akron, Ohio,
April 1999.)
Solution focused brief therapy works well with NLP
and Hypnotherapy as the underlying
principles are similar. They are all brief therapies which
concentrate on the positive aspects of individuals' lives
rather than past 'problems'. It is a therapy which has proven
successes, it encourages independence and like NLP
and Hypnotherapy, it allows
the individual to find the solutions within them which is
both an empowering and a life-changing experience.
