What Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy (SBFT), or solution-based therapy, is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes solutions over problems. It is a goal-oriented, collaborative approach that concentrates on finding solutions to current issues instead of exploring the origins of the problem. It is an approach to enabling individuals to create a positive change in their lives in the shortest possible time. SFBT is a versatile approach that can be used for many mental health issues. Although it’s not a substitute for medication or other treatments in serious cases, it has been shown to be very effective for various mental health concerns (Fernandez & Fernandez, 2025).

Recent academic research has shown that SFBT is effective in treating anxiety (Novella et al., 2022), depression (Zhang, 2022), stress management (Beauchemin, 2018), low self-esteem (Alguzo & Jaradat, 2021), substance abuse (Franklin & Hai, 2021), trauma (Joubert & Guse, 2021), and grief (Smith & Froerer, 2018). This is because SFBT promotes a positive and hopeful mindset, which is essential for individuals facing mental health challenges. Furthermore, SFBT emphasizes the clients’ strengths and desired outcomes instead of the symptoms, which builds clients’ confidence and provides them with a sense of purpose and direction.

How Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Works

This type of therapy is based on the idea that people can find solutions through their own efforts. The therapist helps the individual identify their goals and resources, then works with them to develop a plan of action. The therapist assists the individual in clarifying their desired outcomes and then helps them identify the necessary steps to achieve those outcomes. The therapist also helps the individual develop a list of small, attainable goals that will bring them closer to their desired outcomes. Solution-focused brief therapy also emphasizes creating a positive environment for change. The therapist collaborates with the individual to foster support and encourages them to practice self-care and self-compassion.

Five of the most important Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Benefits

Solution-focused brief therapy provides several benefits. Here are five of the most important ones:

1. Quick Results

Solution-focused brief therapy aims to help individuals achieve their goals quickly. It is a short-term therapy that emphasizes the present and future instead of the past. This enables individuals to identify and implement solutions quickly to improve their lives.

2. Improved Communication

Solution-focused brief therapy encourages people to share their thoughts and feelings in a positive, constructive way. This can help improve communication with partners, family, and friends. Facing your problems is never easy, but experiencing benefits from solution-focused therapy can help you gain the motivation and skills needed to create positive changes in your life. If you’re looking for a therapeutic approach that emphasizes solutions and progress, this method may be a great option for you.

3. Empowerment

Solution-focused brief therapy emphasizes an individual’s strengths and resources. This helps people feel empowered and take an active role in their healing process.

4. Focused on Solutions

Instead of dwelling on the past, this type of therapy emphasizes finding solutions to current problems. This helps individuals create positive changes in their lives and advance toward their goals.

5. A Collaborative Approach

This therapy is collaborative, meaning that both the client and the therapist work together to find solutions. This fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the process. This type of therapy is based on the belief that the client is the expert on their own life and that they have the resources and skills to solve their own problems. The therapist’s role is to provide support, guidance, and structure to help the client find and implement solutions.

References

Alguzo, N. A., & Jaradat, A. M. (2021). Investigating the effectiveness of two therapeutic modalities in enhancing self-esteem among female adolescents. International Journal of Psychology: Journal international de psychologie, 56(6), 870–877.

Beauchemin, J. D. (2018). Solution-Focused Wellness: A randomized controlled trial of college students. Health & Social Work, 43(2), 94–100. Fernandez, J. A., & Fernandez, J. A. (2025). Mapping the landscape of solution-focused brief therapy: A bibliometric analysis. American Journal of Family Therapy. Franklin, C., & Hai, A. H. (2021). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for substance use: A review of the literature. Health & Social Work, 46(2), 103–114. Joubert, J., & Guse, T. (2021). A Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) intervention model to facilitate hope and subjective well-being among trauma survivors. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 51(4), 303–310.

Novella, J. K., Ng, K.-M., & Samuolis, J. (2022). A comparison of online and in-person counseling outcomes using solution-focused brief therapy for college students with anxiety. Journal of American College Health: J of ACH, 70(4), 1161–1168.

Smith, C. P., & Froerer, A. S. (2018). Loss, grief, and bereavement. In Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with clients managing trauma (pp. 200–213). Oxford University Press.

Zhang, A. (2022). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for depression among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: An open pilot trial. Research on Social Work Practice, 32(4), 388–401.