What Is Solution-Focused Therapy?

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is solution-focused counseling used for?

Solution-focused therapy, or solution-focused brief therapy, is a solution-focused approach to therapy that empowers clients to use their unique abilities in solving life’s problems. Together, you and your therapist find the solution to your problems instead of discussing their history. Unique from other types of therapy, where the focus is often on the problem, solution-focused brief therapy focuses instead on the solution.

What are solution-focused techniques?

Solution-focused techniques are activities and exercises given in therapy sessions that help you use a solution-focused approach to your problems. You and your therapist find solutions using a variety of techniques, including art therapy, letter writing, strengths finders, solution mind mapping, and experiment journals.

Is solution-focused therapy CBT?

Solution-focused therapy, also known as solution-focused brief therapy, is not the same as cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. The difference in these therapy types is that solution-focused brief therapy is not based on any single theory, and there is no focus on the past.  It is solution-focused, using solution-focused techniques. CBT is more concerned with solving the problem through talk therapy and requires a more empathetic relationship between therapist and client.

What is solution-focused practice?

Solution-focused practice is a type of therapy that helps people become future-focused and learn what can be done differently using their current skillset, strategies, and ideas to achieve it, rather than focusing on their problem. It is a practice developed in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s.

What are the disadvantages of solution-focused therapy?

The disadvantages of solution focused brief therapy include the following:

• The focus on quick solutions may mask some important underlying issues.
• The solution-focused model may become frustrating for a client who wants to discuss factors outside of their immediate ability to effect change. In this case, other types of therapy might be better suited to the client.
• The quick therapy sessions often don’t allow for much rapport or an emotional and empathetic connection between the SFBT therapist and client. 
• The effectiveness of solution-focused therapy will be minimal for a client seeking to concentrate more on their symptoms and what got them where they are to begin with.
• This type of therapy is not appropriate for those with major mental health disorders.

What is the miracle question in therapy?

The miracle question in therapy, also known as the “problem is gone” question, is a solution-focused model of questioning that a solution-focused therapist uses to invite the client to envision and describe how the future will be different after their problem is gone.

How long is solution-focused therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy averages 45 minutes per session. Unlike other types of therapy, sessions usually cap off after only five sessions.