Hi, I am Claire Sutton and I have been a solution-focused therapist for a little more than 30 years. I have practiced all that time in Vancouver, BC. In addition to being in private practice, I have worked with EAP clients and employee clients from both private and public companies.
A solution-focused therapist is a mental health professional who practices a type of psychotherapy known as solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). SFBT is a goal-oriented and future-focused therapeutic approach that helps clients identify and work toward solutions to their problems rather than dwelling on the problems themselves.
Some key principles associated with solution-focused therapy are:
- Brief and Time-Limited: Solution-focused therapy is typically short-term and aims to achieve positive outcomes within a limited number of sessions. This makes it a practical choice for individuals seeking help with specific issues.
- Goal-Oriented: Therapists in this approach work with clients to set clear, achievable goals for therapy. These goals guide the therapeutic process and help clients focus on what they want to change or improve in their lives.
- Future-Focused: Solution-focused therapists emphasize the future and the possibilities for change, rather than delving deeply into the past. They encourage clients to envision a preferred future and explore the steps needed to achieve it.
- Strengths-Based: SFBT is rooted in the belief that clients possess the strengths and resources necessary to address their problems. Therapists help clients identify and harness these strengths to find solutions.
- Minimal Problem Analysis: Unlike some other therapeutic approaches, solution-focused therapy does not extensively analyze or dwell on the causes of problems. Instead, it focuses on finding practical solutions.
- Collaboration: Therapists work collaboratively with clients to explore their preferred future, possible solutions, and ways to implement those solutions. Clients play an active role in the process.
- Scaling Questions: Solution-focused therapists often use scaling questions to measure and track progress. Clients are asked to rate their current situation on a scale, which provides a way to gauge improvement.
- Exception Questions: These questions help clients identify times when the problem was less severe or absent, allowing them to draw on those experiences to find solutions.
- Feedback and Reinforcement: Therapists provide feedback and reinforcement to clients when they make progress or take steps toward their goals. This positive reinforcement can be motivating.
- Applicability: Solution-focused therapy can be applied to a wide range of issues, including relationship problems, addiction, depression, anxiety, and more.
The central idea behind solution-focused therapy is that change is possible and that clients can find solutions to their problems by leveraging their strengths and resources. By focusing on a preferred future and practical steps to get there, solution-focused therapists help clients build a more positive and hopeful outlook. In many ways, solution-focused therapists integrate life-coaching techniques into their practice.
