SFBT: Adaptive Behavioral Therapy

The emphasis of SFBT is on the process of developing an image of a realistic solution rather than dwelling on the past manifestation of the problem, with the focus being on identifying past successes and exceptions to the problem in an effort to accomplish set goals (Kim, 2014). SFBT views problems as fixable and change as viable by concentrating on the achievement of small, concrete behavioral goals (Berg & De Jong, 2008). The discussion of exceptions and movement toward future adaptive behaviors allows the clinician and client to focus on solutions to the client’s problem, rather than dwelling on the problem itself (Berg & De Jong, 2008). In fact, simply talking about improvement has an encouraging effect on the client (Banks, 2005). The

An important assumption of SFBT posits that clients possess capabilities and resources for resolving their problems. Thus, the task of therapy is to assist clients in utilizing these resources to reach a solution to the problem in question (Kim, 2014). When utilizing this intervention for the treatment of substance use disorders it is important to understand and see where the client is coming from and what goals are they attempting to get out of this treatment. In SFBT, counselors ask specific types of question to help guide the session. Some ways in which they do this is by asking coping questions that can help demonstrate their resiliency and the number of ways in which they are capable of coping with all the different challenges that may arise in their lives. Another way is by asking a miracle question, this helps individuals envision a future in which the problem is absent. This type of questioning allows them to explain how their lives would look if the problem did not exist, which in turn can allow them to take those small steps toward

Strength-based SFBT approach can be just as effective in helping clients address substance use and trauma-related problems. The use of SFBT in treating substance use and trauma provides an alternative approach that is more strengths based and less problem focused. Rather than superimpose expectations of abstinence, AA participation and long-term recovery, solution-focused therapy is based on a collaborative process between the client and the therapist which takes into consideration the individual, the problem and the particular goals or outcome sought (Rosen, 1993). Examining the use of this approach and the effectiveness is not stating that the other way of thinking is wrong it is just different. Traditional alcoholism programs are not rejected but are viewed as one part of a multidimensional approach to problem drinking (Rosen, 1993). Even though there has been several known successes and studies showing the overall effectiveness of this intervention it is still not the norm and opposes the traditional problem centered approach. When looking at the evidence we can see how SFBT is still just as effective or in certain areas even more effective than the traditional approach. This is probably due to the fact that clients