Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) focuses on solutions rather than problems, offers a connection between strategic and language theories, and emphasizes clients having clear goals. SFT was co-developed by Steve deShaver and Insoo Berg based on research from the Brief Therapy Center. It utilizes a positive, optimistic approach by discussing non-issue topics initially and avoiding confrontation, then asking questions to identify exceptions to the problem.

1. Solution Focused Therapy
Course: Working with Families
February 10, 2012
Group Project presented by
Kyle McNair, Linda Ellison and Lesley Smith

2. Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
•
Focuses on solutions rather
than on the problems that
brought clients to seek
therapy.
•
Offers a connection between
strategic theories and
language theories
•
Emphasizes the need for
clients to have clear and
concise goals.

3. Steve deShaver And Insoo Berg
• Co-Developed SFT
• Research for SFT based
from the Brief Therapy
Center in Milwaukee
177

4. Eve Lipchik
•
Clinician affliated with BFTC
•
Developed a controversial
model for working with
domestic violence
•
Differs from most therapy
models because the batterer
is included in the sessions
Picture: http://www.icfconsultants.com/lipchik.
htm
177

5. Michelle Weiner-Davis
• Her book, Divorce Busting is
addressed to couples.
• Known for including the
following phrase in therapy:
“Do a one-eighty”
• If what a person is doing is not
working, then he or she is advised
to do the opposite.
Picture: http://www.sideroad.
com/images/michele_davis.jpg

6. SFT Therapist Optimistic Approach to
Therapy
• Starts session by discussing anything
that is not related to the client’s issues,
(weather, job, school etc..).
• Avoids confrontation or disagreements
• Asks a series of questions designed to
retrieve exceptions to the problem.
Pg. 178

7. Bill O’Hanlon
•
Hypnotist that combined the ideas
of his teacher, Hypnosist Milton
Erickson with the SFT.
•
Ideas based on the phenomenon,
Naturalistic Trance
•
Uses language that matches the
client’s language
•
•
ex: Client- “I see him failing.”
Therapist- “ It looks bleak to you.”
Pg. 178

8. Compliments
•
Validation and acknowledgements by the therapist encourages
the client to change his or her way of thinking, while giving the
message that the therapist has been listening and cares(pg. 178).
•
Helps to point out what the client is doing that is working
•
Encourages self compliment by inviting the client to describe
a situation where he or she did something productive to
correct the problem
http://www.psychotherapy.
net/data/uploads/4c6522b7d1927.mp4

9. Example of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Conducted by Insoo Berg
In this clip, Berg demonstrates the SFBT she used
in marriage counseling
http://www.psychotherapy.net/data/uploads/4c6522b7d1927.mp4

10. Discussion More to Come
• SFT Therapists assigns formula tasks
for married couples to try at home.

11. Summary
• SFT is factual, cognitive, and easily teachable.
• It is clear, concise and obtains an optimistic
view of people.
•
Refers to the past only to gain insight on
exceptions to the problem
• Therapist praises the client’s accomplishments
and strengths