Solutions Focused Counselling, also known as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), is a form of counselling that focuses on helping clients identify and achieve their goals.
Rather than dwelling on the problems and difficulties that bring them to therapy, SFBT encourages clients to focus on their preferred future and the solutions that will help them get there.
The core principles of Solutions Focused Counselling are:
- Solution-focused: The counsellor helps the client to identify and achieve their goals, rather than focusing on their problems.
- Brief: SFBT typically involves a small number of sessions, usually between 6-20 sessions.
- Collaborative: The counsellor works together with the client to develop a plan of action.
- Future-focused: SFBT focuses on the client’s desired future rather than their past.
One of the key techniques used in Solutions Focused Counselling is the “Miracle Question”. This is a question that helps the client to imagine a future in which their problem has been solved and they are living the life they want. The counsellor then helps the client to identify the small steps that they can take to make that miracle happen.
Another technique used in SFBT is the “Scaling Question”, which helps the client to rate their current level of satisfaction with different aspects of their life, and to identify the small changes that would make the biggest difference.
Solutions Focused Counselling is effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress. It is also effective in treating relationship issues and in helping individuals to work through difficult life experiences. It is particularly useful for clients who are looking for a brief, focused and goal-oriented approach to therapy.
If you’re considering counselling and are looking for a solution-focused, brief, and collaborative approach, Solutions Focused Counselling may be a good option for you. It’s important to find a qualified counsellor who has been trained in this approach.”