Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: When does it work?

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Developed in the 1980s, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a relatively new therapeutic approach that changes how the client looks at their situation. (Corey, 2012) SFBT is considered an optimistic-based therapeutic approach. SFBT is goal-oriented and future-focused that concentrates on solutions to the problems the individual is facing rather than the problem itself. (Corey, 2012) This positive approach assumes that each individual is competent and possesses and ingenuity necessary for solving their problems with the resources they already have. (Corey, 2012) Therapists that utilize this approach assist their clients in identifying and utilizing strengths and resources that they already possess, instead of trying reinvent the wheel, so to speak. (Corey, 2012) These therapists dialog with their clients about future accomplishments they would like to make happen. Iveson admits that the hardest part of utilizing the SFBT therapeutic approach is switching one’s viewpoint from concentrating on their problems in life to focusing on their strengths and goals for their future. (2002) Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) focuses on solutions instead of problems, as well as future hopes and goals of the client. (Corey, 2012) This focus directs the conversation toward successes the client has had in their life rather than failures. (Corey, 2012) This positive, optimistic way of thinking can lead to a sense of empowerment for the client. Through discussion and assistance from the therapist, the client is able to identify what behaviors have worked for them in the past to solve problems. (Corey, 2012) In the simplest way, the therapist encourages clients to continue to do what is working and to stop doing what is not working. (Corey, ... ... middle of paper ... ... of behavior and perceived somatic and cognitive difficulties. Children and Youth Services Review, 31(4), 791 – 797. Corey, G. (2012). Theory & Practice of Group Counseling (8th Ed.) United States: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. Gingerich, W. J., & Peterson, L. T. (2013). Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Research on Social Work Practice. 23(3), 266 – 283. Iveson, C. (2002). Solution-focused brief therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 8(2), 149 – 156. Kim, J. S., & Franklin, C. (2009). Solution-focused brief therapy in schools: A review of the outcome literature. Children and Youth Services Review 31(4), 464 – 470. Weiss, E. L., Coll, J. E., Gerbauer, J., Smiley, K., Carillo, E. (2010). The Military Genogram: A Solution-Focused Approach for Resiliency Building in Service Members and Their Families. The Family Journal 18(4), 395 – 406.

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