Limits Of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

In the 1970s, Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg began developing a new therapeutic approach called Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). (Trepper, et al., 2006) Over the next thirty years, Shazer and Berg continued to refine the approach. (Trepper, et al., 2006) There are both benefits and limitations of SFBT. Until more recently, there has not been a large amount of research showing valid results of utilizing this approach. However, since 2005, SFBT has been growing in popularity in the United States and Europe, thus prompting more studies to be conducted. (Trepper, et al., 2006)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy actually evolved from Brief Family Therapy. (Trepper, et al., 2006) Trepper and his colleagues even proclaim that SFBT is ‘one of

(Corey, 2012) SFBT shifts to problem resolution from problem formation. This therapeutic approach 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, 2012) When the client increases what works for them, they are able to solve more problems in a shorter amount of time. (Corey, 2012) In a society of quick fixes, decreased funding, and insurances calling for positive outcomes, SFBT offers appeal to all parties involved. Furthermore, the flexibility of SFBT allows mental health professionals to use the approach in a multitude of settings, which include social service agencies, education settings, model schools, and business systems. (Trepper, et al., 2006) SFBT boasts fast results that can happen

(2011) The research study analyzed SFBT’s effectiveness at both the individual therapy level and the group therapy level. (Cepukiene and Pakrosnis, 2011) This study concluded that SFBT is effective and reliable and elicited significant change in thirty-one percent of the participants. Data collected showed that utilizing SFBT with this demographic resulted in improved behaviors. (Cepukiene and Pakrosnis, 2011) Furthermore, their result’s showed that after SFBT intervention, adolescents were less likely to be taken out of a foster home and placed in a group home due to negative behaviors. (Cepukiene and Pakrosnis, 2011) Researchers report that approximately half of the adolescents achieved what they considered to be ‘significant change’. (Cepukiene and Pakrosnis,