Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Practical, goal-focused counselling that helps you move forward — quickly and effectively

If you’re feeling stuck but don’t want to spend months analysing the past, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) offers a clear, practical alternative.

Rather than asking “Why is this happening?” SFBT asks: “What would improvement look like — and how do we start creating it?”

Originally developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, SFBT is now widely used across Australia in private practice, schools, community mental health services, and Employee Assistance Programs.

It is structured, collaborative, and focused on helping you identify real-world change as early as possible.

What Is Solution Focused Brief Therapy?

Solution Focused Brief Therapy is a short-term, goal-oriented counselling approach that helps you:

• Clarify what you want instead of the problem
• Identify strengths and resources you already have
• Recognise when the issue is less intense
• Build small, achievable changes that create momentum

It does not ignore difficulties — but it does not dwell on them.

The emphasis is on what works.

How Solution Focused Therapy Works

1. Clarifying Your Preferred Future

Early sessions focus on defining what “better” actually looks like in practical terms.

You might explore:

• What would be different day-to-day?
• What would others notice?
• What would you be doing more (or less) of?

2. Identifying Exceptions

Even when problems feel constant, there are often moments when they are less intense.

We explore:

• When is the issue more manageable?
• What’s different in those moments?
• What strengths are already present?

3. The Miracle Question

A well-known SFBT technique invites you to imagine meaningful change:

“If a miracle happened overnight and the problem improved, what would you notice first tomorrow?”

This isn’t fantasy — it helps clarify specific, observable goals.

4. Scaling Progress

We use simple 0–10 scaling questions to:

• Track improvement
• Identify what’s helping
• Clarify the next small step

Small shifts often lead to significant change.

What Can Solution Focused Therapy Help With?

SFBT can be effective for:

• Anxiety and stress
• Mild to moderate depression
• Relationship difficulties
• Parenting challenges
• Workplace stress
• Motivation and goal-setting
• Life transitions

It works particularly well when:

• You want practical strategies
• You prefer structured sessions
• You are motivated for change
• You feel stuck in problem-focused thinking

How Effective Is Solution Focused Brief Therapy?

Research shows that Solution Focused Brief Therapy produces small to moderate positive effects, comparable to other established therapies in many settings.

It is especially effective in:

• Short-term counselling models
• School and adolescent settings
• Community mental health
• Workplace and EAP programs

Importantly, psychotherapy research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of success — regardless of the model used.

SFBT is not about rushing you. It’s about ensuring that each session moves you closer to the outcome you want.

Is SFBT Right for You?

Solution Focused Brief Therapy may suit you if:

• You want change without long-term analysis
• You prefer a collaborative, forward-looking style
• You appreciate clear goals and measurable progress
• You are ready to focus on solutions rather than problems

It may not be the best standalone approach for:

• Complex trauma
• Long-standing personality patterns
• Situations requiring intensive emotional processing

In those cases, it can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches.

What to Expect in Sessions

Sessions are structured but conversational. You can expect:

• Clear goal setting
• Thoughtful, focused questions
• Practical exploration of what’s already working
• A respectful, collaborative tone

There is no pressure to “perform” or have everything figured out.

The process is paced to your readiness.

Solution Focused Therapy in Australia

SFBT aligns well with modern Australian counselling contexts, where many clients are seeking:

• Time-efficient therapy
• Evidence-informed approaches
• Practical outcomes
• Flexible delivery, including online counselling

It can be delivered both face-to-face and via secure telehealth sessions, offering accessibility across Australia.

Take the First Step

If you’re ready to focus on meaningful change — not just understanding the problem — Solution Focused Brief Therapy may be a good fit.

You’re welcome to book an initial session to explore whether this approach aligns with your goals.