Solution-Focused Therapy

Solution-focused therapy is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on finding solutions rather than analysing problems. This brief, strengths-based method helps you recognise what is already working in your life and use those successes to create positive change and achieve your goals.

 

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

What Is Solution-Focused Therapy?

Core Concepts

Solution-Focused Techniques

The Miracle Question

Exception Finding

Scaling Questions

Goal Setting in Solution-Focused Therapy

Session Structure

Applications of Solution-Focused Therapy

Solution-Focused Family Therapy

Brief Therapy Approach

Strengths-Based Approach

Working with Resistance

Cultural Considerations

Solution-Focused Therapy with Different Populations

Research and Evidence

Training and Practice

Challenges and Limitations

Integration with Other Approaches

Technology and Solution-Focused Therapy

Self-Help Applications

Measuring Progress

Common Misconceptions

Future Directions

Related Terms

References

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What Is Solution-Focused Therapy?

Solution-focused therapy is based on the idea that you already have the strengths and resources needed to overcome your difficulties. Instead of spending time exploring what is wrong, this approach concentrates on what works, what you want to achieve, and how to get there using your existing abilities and past successes.

Key principles of solution-focused therapy:

• Solution Orientation: Focus on solutions and desired outcomes rather than problems and their causes.
• Strengths-Based Approach: Build on your existing strengths, resources, and capabilities.
• Brief and Efficient: Usually a short-term therapy aiming for quick, practical results.
• Goal-Oriented: Work towards specific, clear, and achievable goals.
• Client as Expert: You are the expert on your life and what will work for you.
• Future-Focused: Emphasise your preferred future rather than dwelling on past problems.

 

 

Core Concepts

• Exceptions: Times when the problem is less severe or absent, which offer clues for solutions
• Scaling Questions: Use numerical scales to measure progress and spot small improvements.
• Miracle Question: Imagine how life would be different if your problem were suddenly solved.
• Preferred Future: Your vision of life after therapy goals are reached.
• Small Changes: Belief that small steps can lead to big improvements over time.
• Competence Focus: Highlight your skills, abilities, and past successes.

 

 

Solution-Focused Techniques

• Miracle Question: "If a miracle happened tonight and your problem was solved, how would you know?"
• Exception Finding: Identify times when the problem is less problematic or not there.
• Scaling Questions: "On a scale of 1-10, where are you now, and what would move you up one point?"
• Coping Questions: "How have you managed to cope with this problem so far?"
• Relationship Questions: "What would your family notice if you made this change?"
• Goal Setting: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.

 

 

The Miracle Question

• Detailed Exploration: Think about what would change if the problem disappeared.
• Behavioural Indicators: Identify actions that show the miracle has happened.
• Relationship Changes: Notice how connections with others would improve.
• Daily Life Changes:  Consider how routines and activities would differ.
• Emotional Differences: Reflect on how you would feel.
• Observable Signs: Imagine the changes others would see.

 

 

Exception Finding

• Problem-Free Times: Identify moments when the problem is absent or milder.
• Success Analysis: Understand what you do differently during these times..
• Pattern Recognition: Look for common factors in those periods.
• Resource Identification: Discover strengths and supports you use.
• Replication Strategies: Find ways to recreate these helpful conditions.
• Building on Success: Use these exceptions to create positive change.

 

 

Scaling Questions

• Progress Measurement: Rate where you are now and track improvements.
• Goal Clarification: Define what each level on the scale means.
• Small Steps: Identify actions that increase your rating by one point.
• Motivation Assessment: Understand your readiness to change.
• Confidence Building: Recognise achievements and boost self-belief.
• Relationship Perspectives: Use scaling to see how others perceive your situation.

 

 

Goal Setting in Solution-Focused Therapy

• Specific Goals: Focus on clear, concrete objectives.
• Positive Framing: Aim for what you want to achieve, not just what to avoid.
• Behavioural Focus: Concentrate on actions rather than feelings.
• Realistic Expectations: Set achievable goals that build momentum.
• Client-Defined: Goals reflect your values and choices.
• Measurable Outcomes: Ensure goals can be tracked and observed.

 

 

Session Structure

• Goal Identification: Clarify what you want from therapy.
• Exception Exploration: Find when problems lessen or disappear.
• Scaling and Progress: Assess current status and decide next steps.
• Homework and Tasks: Assign practical exercises between sessions.
• Feedback and Adjustment: Review progress and adapt plans.
• Celebration of Success: Acknowledge and build on achievements.

 

 

Applications of Solution-Focused Therapy

• Relationship Issues: Improving communication and connection in relationships.
• Family Problems: Addressing family conflicts and improving family functioning.
• Work and Career Issues: Solving workplace problems and achieving career goals.
• Addiction Recovery: Supporting recovery by focusing on strengths and successful coping strategies.
• Depression and Anxiety: Building on times when mood is better and anxiety is manageable.
• Behavioural Problems: Changing unwanted behaviours by focusing on desired alternatives.

 

 

Solution-Focused Family Therapy

• Family Strengths: Identifying and building on the strengths and resources within the family.
• Relationship Exceptions: Noticing times when family relationships work well.
• Family Goals: Setting shared goals that everyone in the family can work towards.
• Communication Patterns: Improving how families communicate by focusing on successful interactions.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Teaching families to use solution-focused methods independently.
• Systemic Change: Understanding how small changes in one family member can affect the whole family system.

 

 

Brief Therapy Approach

• Time-Limited: Typically lasts 3 to 12 sessions, focusing on quick and effective results.
• Focused Sessions: Each session has clear goals and builds towards specific outcomes.
• Homework Assignments: Tasks to practice new behaviours and skills between sessions.
• Progress Monitoring: Regularly tracking progress towards goals.
• Termination Planning: Preparing to end therapy with tools to continue success.
• Follow-Up: Occasionally include follow-up sessions to maintain progress.

 

 

Strengths-Based Approach

• Resource Identification: Finding existing skills, abilities, and support networks.
• Competence Focus: Highlighting what you do well instead of focusing on weaknesses.
• Past Successes: Learning from times when challenges were overcome.
• Natural Supports: Recognising people and resources in your environment that can help.
• Cultural Strengths: Using cultural values and resources to support change.
• Resilience Building: Strengthening your ability to recover from setbacks.

 

 

Working with Resistance

• Reframing Resistance: Seeing resistance as a way to protect yourself or a sign that change should happen more slowly.
• Respecting Pace: Allowing you to move at your own speed instead of forcing change.
• Finding Motivation: Discovering what inspires you to change, rather than focusing on what holds you back.
• Small Steps: Making tiny changes that reduce resistance.
• Choice and Control: Ensuring you have control and choice throughout the change process.
• Collaborative Approach: Working together with your therapist rather than fighting resistance.

 

 

Cultural Considerations

• Cultural Strengths: Using your culture's values and resources to support change.
• Family and Community: Understanding the role of family and community in different cultures.
• Communication Styles: Adapting to different ways of communicating and solving problems across cultures.
• Values Alignment: Making sure goals fit with your cultural values.
• Collective vs. Individual: Tailoring approaches for cultures that prioritise community over the individual.
• Traditional Practices: Including traditional healing methods when it fits your needs.

 

 

Solution-Focused Therapy with Different Populations

• Children and Adolescents: Using age-appropriate techniques for young people.
• Older Adults: Adjusting approaches to suit seniors and their unique strengths.
• Couples: Applying methods to improve relationship satisfaction.
• Groups: Facilitating group therapy sessions based on solution-focused principles.
• LGBTQ+ Individuals: Supporting identity affirmation and goal setting.
• Trauma Survivors: Concentrating on resilience and growth after trauma.

 

 

Research and Evidence

• Outcome Research: Studies showing the effectiveness of solution-focused therapy.
• Efficiency Research: Research highlighting its brief, cost-effective nature.
• Comparative Studies: Comparing solution-focused therapy with other treatments.
• Mechanism Research: Exploring how focusing on solutions promotes positive change.
• Cultural Research: Adapting the therapy for different cultures.
• Application Research: Using it in various settings and for different problems.

 

 

Training and Practice

• Solution-Focused Training: Learning specialised techniques and philosophy.
• Supervision: Guidance to maintain a solution-focused approach with clients.
• Skill Development: Practising how to ask solution-focused questions and identify strengths.
• Mindset Shift: Changing your focus from problems to solutions.
• Cultural Competence: Adapting therapy for diverse groups.
• Ethical Practice: Understanding ethics in brief, goal-oriented therapy.

 

 

Challenges and Limitations

• Problem Minimisation: There is a risk that serious problems or trauma might not be fully addressed.
• Superficial Change: Changes may be surface-level without dealing with deeper issues.
• Client Readiness: Some clients may not be prepared for the solution-focused approach.
• Complex Problems: It might not be enough for long-standing or complicated issues.
• Therapist Skill: Therapists need skills to stay solution-focused while responding to client needs.
• Cultural Fit: The approach may not suit all cultural ways of solving problems.

 

 

Integration with Other Approaches

• Cognitive-Behavioural Integration: Combining solution-focused therapy with cognitive and behavioural methods.
• Narrative Therapy Integration: Blending solution-focused and narrative therapy styles.
• Family Systems Integration: Using solution-focused techniques within family therapy.
• Mindfulness Integration: Combining with mindfulness and acceptance practices.
• Trauma-Informed Integration: Adapting the approach for trauma survivors.
• Medication Integration: Coordinating therapy alongside psychiatric treatment.

 

 

Technology and Solution-Focused Therapy

• Online Therapy: Delivering solution-focused therapy via digital platforms.
• Apps and Tools: Digital aids for goal setting and tracking progress.
• Virtual Reality: Using VR to visualise and practise preferred futures.
• Progress Tracking: Technology to monitor goal achievement.
• Resource Sharing: Online platforms for sharing helpful resources and success stories.
• Training Platforms: Online courses for learning solution-focused methods.

 

 

Self-Help Applications

• Solution-Focused Self-Help: Applying solution-focused principles independently.
• Goal Setting Tools: Techniques to set and reach personal goals.
• Exception Journaling: Keeping records of times when things go well.
• Scaling Exercises: Using scales to follow your own progress.
• Strength Identification: Continuously recognising and building on your strengths.
• Success Replication: Learning how to repeat conditions that lead to success.

 

 

Measuring Progress

• Goal Achievement: Tracking progress toward clear, measurable goals.
• Scaling Improvements: Using numerical scales to measure change over time.
• Exception Frequency: Noting how often positive exceptions happen.
• Behavioural Changes: Observing specific improvements in actions.
• Relationship Quality: Assessing betterment in relationships and social life.
• Life Satisfaction: Measuring overall well-being and happiness.

 

 

Common Misconceptions

• Ignoring Problems: Solution-focused therapy recognises problems but emphasises solutions.
• Superficial Approach: It can support deep, meaningful change.
• Positive Thinking: It’s not forced optimism but practical problem solving.
• Quick Fix: Though brief, it needs real effort and commitment.
• One-Size-Fits-All: Treatments are tailored to individual needs.
• Therapist Passivity: Therapists actively guide the process.

 

 

Future Directions

• Technology Integration: Enhancing the use of tech in therapy.
• Cultural Adaptation: Developing versions suited to different cultures.
• Prevention Applications: Using the approach to prevent problems.
• Training Innovation: New ways to train solution-focused therapists.
• Research Expansion: Ongoing studies of effectiveness and new uses.
• Integration Development: Better combining with other therapies.

 

 

Related Terms

• Brief Therapy - Category that includes solution-focused therapy
• Strengths-Based Approach - Core principle of solution-focused therapy
• Goal Setting - Important component of solution-focused therapy

 

 

References

Simply Psychology. (2025). What Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)? https://www.simplypsychology.org/solution-focused-therapy.html

National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (2023). Solution-focused approaches in adult mental health research. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10098109/

Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy. (2023). Training and Research. https://www.solutionfocused.net/

Gingerich, W. J., & Peterson, L. T. (2013). Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: A Systematic Qualitative Review of Controlled Outcome Studies. Research on Social Work Practice, 23(3), 266–283. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1049731512470859

Elliott, C., & Freeston, M. (2007). Solution-focused brief therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 13(5), 269-277. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/advances-in-psychiatric-treatment/article/solutionfocused-brief-therapy/916D885E9B84918D008672564E1BB6D0

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. Solution-focused therapy should be practised by qualified mental health professionals with appropriate training in solution-focused techniques and principles.