Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Summary

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is future-focused, goal-oriented therapeutic approach to brief therapy developed initially by Steve de Shazaer and Insoo Kim Berg at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee in the early 1980s (Corey 2017). In this type of therapy, therapists engage clients in talking about the problem, but focus on leading them outside of the problem (Clarke 2014). The clients’ strengths and resiliencies are emphasized during the session by focusing on exceptions to their problems and their conceptualized solutions (Carey 2014). The key to this therapy is the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. The therapeutic bond formed between the client and therapist is based on mutual trust and cooperation

The customer type indicates that either during or at the end of a treatment session, a goal foe treatment has been identified jointly between the client and therapist. This type of relationship provides a sign to the therapist that the client is open to new ideas, suggestions, and encouragement (Clarke 2014). In a complainant relationship, the client identifies the problem, but is not willing to present a solution to resolving it. The client expects the therapist to change the other person to whom the client attributes the problem (Corey 2017). The visitor type of client is usually those mandated to attend therapy sessions. The visitor type is similar the complainant; however, the visitor type does not identify with their being a problem. SFBT interventions provide flexibility which allows a therapist to use metaphors at hat socially construct solutions in joining with clients; thereby, appropriating power in therapy, and connecting patterns of solutions to clients’ metaphors (Clarke

There are several assumptions that guide one’s thoughts during solution construction. Walter and Peller (1992), stated that focusing on the positive, on the solution, and on the future, facilitates change in the desired direction. Therefore, focus on solution oriented talk rather than o problems-oriented talk. As the therapist engage with the client about what they are doing that is working or about what they will be doing, the client forms a mental representation of themselves solving the problem (Walter & Peller 1992). An advantage of focusing on the positive oppose to the negative in the situation is that is help build rapport. Walter and Peller (1992) also believed that exceptions to every problem can be created by therapist and client, which can be used to build solutions. Sometimes a client may get stuck into one set of expectations of what a solution can look like. The conflict with the concept that nothing is the same may be that the structure of the client’s language perpetuates the assumption. Using words like show, become, seem, and act as if. Promotes a view that behaviors are temporary and changeable (Walter & Peller 1992). Therapist should develop eyes and ears that are flexible in perceiving, and sensitive to non-problem times and behaviors (Walter & Peller 1992). The assumption that making small changes can lead