Solution Focused Therapy

Solution Focused Therapy is an evidence-based approach to therapy that emphasizes solutions, rather than focusing on problems. It is designed to be a brief approach to therapy, with a client’s goals usually met within a few sessions. It highlights a person’s strengths and resources in order to meet their goals.

Solution Focused Therapy can be used with individuals, couples, and families, and is effective with all ages when treating a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, relationship problems, family conflicts, and children with behavioral concerns. Here are some key principles and techniques of Solution Focused Therapy:

1. Setting Goals: Solution Focused Therapy stresses the importance of setting clear and specific goals. In this approach, the therapist collaborates with the client to identify their desired outcomes and define exactly what they want to achieve in therapy. By forming these goals, therapy becomes more purposeful and focused.
2. Questioning Techniques: Therapists who use Solution Focused Therapy utilize certain questioning techniques to help guide the client towards solutions. Some of the more common types of questions include:
   • Scaling Questions: The therapist may ask the client to rate their progress of their goal, or a specific issue the client has been experiencing, on a scale from 1 to 10. For example, if your goal is to better manage stress or anxiety, the therapist may ask, “On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most anxious, where are you right now?” This question helps the client to assess progress with meeting their goal, as well as recognize areas that may need improvement.
   • Miracle Question: The therapist might ask the client to imagine a miracle happening overnight that solves their issue. For example, the therapist may ask, “If you woke up tomorrow morning, and the problem was suddenly resolved, what would be different?” This type of question helps the client visualize their preferred future and how to get there.
   • Exception Questions: The therapist asks about times when the problem is absent or less noticeable. For example, if you are seeking therapy due to family conflicts, your therapist may ask questions such as, “Tell me about a time when the conflict wasn’t as strong or was maybe nonexistent. What was different about that time?” This question can also help the client better recognize their strengths that can be applied to the present situation.
3. Amplifying Strengths: Solution Focused Therapy focuses on identifying and amplifying the client’s existing strengths and resources. By understanding these aspects of oneself, the therapist helps the client gain confidence in themselves and find ways to address specific challenges. The therapist may ask, “What are some strengths you have that can help you get closer to your goals?”
4. Future Emphasis: Solution Focused Therapy places a strong emphasis on imagining a preferred future, rather than focusing on the past. Therapy involves exploring the client’s desired outcome and what needs to be done in order to achieve it. By focusing on the future, clients can become more empowered to work towards their goals.

Overall, Solution Focused Therapy is one of the newer and more popular approaches to therapy that allows people to use their strengths, resources, and past experiences to create change in their lives for the future. By focusing on solutions rather than problems, clients can feel empowered, further develop their skills and abilities, and move towards their desired outcomes and goals.

Interested in Solution Focused Therapy?

If you would like to set up an appointment with one of the many therapists who integrates Solution Focused Therapy into therapy, feel free to contact us at 412-322-2129 or fill out the form below.

Written by Téa Del Rio, Counseling Intern. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Téa, please call us at 412-322-2129.