1. Losing that sinking feeling
Solution-Focused Approaches
Irene Cannan

2. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Solution Focused Therapy originated from the theories of psychotherapists working at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee. These included Steve de Chazer, Insoo Kim Berg, Yvonne Dolan and Bill O'Hanlan.

3. What is SFBT?
Solution Focused Therapy is a here-and-now type of psychotherapy that places emphasis on the present and future. Rather than analysing problems therapists will attempt to engage the client in conversation about potential solutions, operating from the viewpoint that change is not only possible but inevitable. It is a distinctly positive approach to psychotherapy.

4. Introduction Change is constant and inevitable
Clients are the experts and define goals
Future orientation – history is not essential
Emphasis is on what is possible and changeable - do something differently
Short term
For use when time is limited

5. Important Skills Empathy Unconditional Positive Regard Open Questions
Use of silence
Warmth
Genuineness

6. Topics of Discussion Three rules Strengths of SFBT Techniques of SFBT
Limitations of SFBT
Incorporating in your work

7. Three Rules If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Once you know what works, do more of it
If it doesn’t work, don’t do it again: do something different

8. Strengths of SFBT From problem to person
Engaging with the client not just the problem
From what’s wrong, to what’s right
Finding out what the client is already doing which works
Solution talk, not problem talk
Work with what you have, not what is missing
Work with here and now, not the past
Strength-based vs problem-based
Cheer on success

9. Strengths of SFBT continued
SFBT views client as…
Capable of change
Already doing some things right
Having resources and strengths to resolve complaints
Motivated for change

10. Goals of Therapy Help client realise success, even if small
Instill hope
Help client to “be normal”
Help client MANAGE change
The therapist’s job is to identify and amplify change
It is usually unnecessary to know much about the complaint in order to resolve it
Focus on what is possible and changeable, rather than what is impossible and intractable

11. Types of Questions Goal setting questions Miracle Questions
Scaling Questions
Exception Questions
Coping Questions

12. Identifying Goals What are your goals?
How will you continue to accomplish goals?
How will you know when you got what you wanted from therapy?
What will be different?
Who will notice?
What will they notice?

13. De Shazer’s Miracle
Suppose that one night, while you are asleep, there is a miracle and the problem that brought you here is solved. However, because you are asleep you don't know that the miracle has already happened. When you wake up in the morning, what will be different that will tell you that the miracle has taken place? What else?
(1988)

14. The Miracle Question continued
What difference would you (and others) notice?
What are the first things you notice?
Has any of this ever happened before?
Would it help to recreate any of these miracles?
What would need to happen to do this?

15. Scaling Questions
Can be used in almost any therapy situation (health, family, couples, or individual)
Scale of 1 – 10
1 is the worst it’s ever been
10 is after the miracle has happened
Where are you now?
Where do you need to be?
How will you feel if you move up one point?
How can you keep yourself at that point?

16. Exception Finding Questions
Exceptions = Differences that make a difference
Tell me about the times when (the complaint) does not occur, or occurs less than at other times
Eg, What times are thinking about other things than cancer… and what are those things?
Encourage the client to describe what they did differently when they were not depressed or anxious, etc

17. Exception Questions continued
Amplifying the exception
How do you explain to yourself why these times are different?
How do you achieve that?
What do you do differently then?
Who else is involved that notices the difference? What do they say or do? What else?
What would you have to do or see for this to happen more often? What else?

18. Coping Questions What do you do with your life (eg when not in bed)?
How have you got through things in the past? (NB not what have you got through in the past?)
What’s a good day look like in here?
What would you like of today’s appointment?
Did you have any things you wanted to bring up/on your agenda?
What are your hopes for our work together….how will you know it’s been worth your while?

19. Coping Questions continued
Who would be the least surprised if you got through this?
How would your spouse/family/best friend/ dog describe your qualities?
What do you tell yourself that keeps you going?
How do you cope at all?
Suppose you’re looking back after you die and you’re pleased with how you’ve lived, what will you be pleased about

20. Limitations of SFBT
Make sure that you define the problem and refer to other experts if necessary
If you feel out of your depth, say so
Client should want to work with you
It does not necessarily replace counselling/ psychotherapy
As with all therapies, one size does not fit all

21. Incorporating in your work
Use SFBT approaches when time is limited to move people on more quickly
Use when the client is resistant to ‘counselling’
Try some of the techniques and monitor the response
Keep practising!

22. Listen to yourself
Even the most experienced staff feel stressed, overwhelmed and upset at times
Ensure you get regular supervision, even if you think things are ok
Sometimes this sneaks up on us without our noticing