Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), which at times is simply termed as a solution focused therapy refers to a form of therapy that is not only goal directed, but also collaborative; this is orchestrated by analyzing the response of clients to a set of precisely designed questions (Bannink, 2007). This therapy explores the history and etiology of clients’ problems and seeks to understand what these clients intend to achieve. Therapists who use this approach concentrate on the present and the future. The past is only examined to understand the origin of the client’s problem.
However, therapists who use this approach are shifting the focus from the problem to solution based approaches, as well as, boosting the clients’ strength and resilience, and not focusing on their vulnerability (Bannink, 2007).
Bannink (2007) contends that instead of focusing on reducing the problems, clients ought to ask themselves what they would rather have instead. On a positive note, this will give clients optimism to perceive solutions and possibilities. It acts as a means of detaching them from their problematic past, and focusing on the future full of possibilities and opportunities.
This approach is seconded by Kiser and Piercy (1993). These authors hold the opinion that emotions ought to be integrated in not only the theoretical frameworks, but also therapeutic strategies (Kiser & Piercy, 1993). As such, this approach seeks to utilize the clients’ inner resources. Consequently, this boosts the clients’ inner strength. This goal can be achieved by eliciting positive emotions. When looked at critically, the second approach is better than the initial approach.
However, therapists must be cautious because a solution can only be solved if its etiology is understood. Therapists must not shy away from evaluating the history of the client’s problem.
References
Bannink, F.B. (2007). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. J Contemp Psychother, pp. 1-5. DOI 10.1007/s10879-006-9040-y
Kiser, D.J. & Piercy, F.P. (1993). The Integration of Emotion in Solution-focused
Therapy Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 19(3), 233-242.
