Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented, evidence-based therapy that focuses on your strengths, resources, and future possibilities rather than dwelling on past problems.
Instead of analysing “why” something is wrong, SFBT helps you explore “what’s working” and “what’s possible” — empowering you to take small, achievable steps toward meaningful change.
SFBT was founded on seven basic principles. These concepts are the key building blocks in the formation of the solution-focused approach:
1. Focus on the future; history is not essential.
2. Change is both constant and certain.
3. Clients must want to change.
4. Clients are the experts and outline their own goals.
5. Clients have resources and their own strengths to solve and overcome their problems.
6. Therapy is short-term.
7. Emphasis is on what is changeable and possible.
How Can SFBT Help You?
SFBT is especially effective for:
- Stress and burnout
- Anxiety and worry
- Depression and low mood
- Relationship or family conflict
- Work or career challenges
- Motivation and self-confidence issues
- Coping with change or life transitions
This approach is also well-suited for people who want a short-term, practical therapy that delivers clear strategies.
What to Expect in SFBT Sessions
In SFBT, we focus on:
- Setting clear goals for therapy based on what you want to achieve
- Identifying times when the problem is less intense or absent (“exceptions”)
- Exploring your strengths, skills, and coping resources
- Using scaling questions (e.g., “On a scale from 1–10…”) to track progress
- Creating small, achievable steps that build momentum and confidence
Sessions are typically brief and solution-driven, with many clients noticing improvements within a few sessions.
Benefits of SFBT
With SFBT, you may experience:
- A clearer sense of direction and goals
- Practical solutions for real-life challenges
- Greater confidence in your own strengths and resources
- Improved problem-solving skills
- More positive and hopeful outlook on the future
- Noticeable progress in fewer sessions
If you’d like to focus on strengths, find solutions, and move forward with clarity, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy could be a powerful approach for you.
The Evidence for SFBT
Research highlights the effectiveness of SFBT across different settings and concerns:
- A 2024 meta-analysis found SFBT is effective in improving emotional wellbeing, coping, and quality of life, particularly in community and school-based settings.
- Over the past decade, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) has seen significant growth in empirical research, solidifying its role as a widely studied and evidence-based therapeutic approach.
- This review confirms that SFBT is beneficial for a variety of psychosocial problems.
- Studies have shown SFBT to be comparable to well-established alternative treatments for anxiety in adults.
- Studies show SFBT is a practical and efficient approach for depression, anxiety, and stress management.
FAQ’s about SFBT
How many sessions will I need?
SFBT is typically short-term. Many clients notice improvements within 4–8 sessions, though some may continue longer depending on their goals.
Does SFBT ignore past problems?
Not at all. While SFBT focuses on solutions, it also acknowledges past struggles — but it doesn’t dwell on them. Instead, the emphasis is on building a better future.
Is SFBT suitable for couples or families?
Yes, SFBT is widely used in relationship and family therapy to improve communication and create shared solutions.
What if I don’t know what my goals are yet?
That’s okay. Part of the process is helping you clarify what’s most important and meaningful for you.
Michelle van Namen is a registered Psychologist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach and Integrative Health Practitioner with over 30 years of experience working with human behaviour and improving mental health. Michelle has been trained in a broad range of evidence-based therapies. She has worked in a variety of roles within private practice, corporate organisations, education, research, and community crisis support. Established in 2006, Integrated Health Specialists is her psychology practice located on the Gold Coast, providing individual and couples therapy for adults. Michelle focuses on providing a warm, authentic and non-judgemental therapeutic space to support clients and facilitate healing and personal growth. Read more about Michelle.
BA (Hons) in Psychology: University of Wollongong, 1995
Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board (AHPRA) PSY0001395059
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPI) 15525
Qualifications verified by Psychology Today
Medicare and Health Insurance Provider.