THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
WHAT IT IS
A Focus on Strengths & Solutions
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a collaborative, evidence-based approach developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg that focuses on your strengths and future possibilities rather than analyzing past problems.
Honouring you as the expert on your own life, this goal-oriented, short-term therapy uses guiding questions to help you identify what is already working and take actionable steps toward meaningful change on your timeline.
Core Principles
The Core Principles of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
01
If it works, do more of it
SFBT focuses on identifying what is already working in your life and amplifying it, rather than analyzing what is not.
02
If it doesn't work, try something different
There is no single right way. SFBT is flexible and responsive, if an approach isn't helping, you try something else.
03
You already have what you need
SFBT works from the assumption that you already have strengths, resources, and past successes to draw on.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SFBT the same as positive thinking?
No, SFBT is not about ignoring problems or forcing positivity. It’s about shifting attention toward what is already working and what is possible, while fully acknowledging that things are hard.
How many sessions does SFBT take?
SFBT is designed to be brief, often between 3 and 8 sessions, though this varies depending on your goals and needs.
Is SFBT evidence-based?
Yes. SFBT has a substantial evidence base across a range of presenting concerns, including, such as but not limited to depression, anxiety, life transitions, and stress management.
Do I need a diagnosis to access SFBT at NWC?
No. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to work with us.
Take the next step
Use your free consultation to ask questions, get a feel for the approach, and explore which therapy style may best support your needs