Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Core idea

SFBT assumes clients already have the resources and prior successes needed to solve their problem — the therapist's job is to evoke them. Questions, not interpretations, are the core tool. The conversation is oriented toward exceptions (when the problem is less or absent) and the preferred future, not toward the problem's origins. Most cases conclude in 3–8 sessions.

Key concepts

Miracle question

If you woke up tomorrow and the problem were solved, what would be different? — the signature intervention.

Exceptions

Times the problem doesn't happen — clues to existing solutions.

Scaling questions

On a 0–10 scale, where are you today? — measures progress and elicits next steps.

Coping questions

How are you managing given all this? — affirms existing strengths.

Client as expert

On their own life and what works.

What a session looks like

1. 1
   Best hopes

   What are your best hopes from our talking today?
2. 2
   Preferred future

   Miracle question + detailed description of the post-miracle day.
3. 3
   Exceptions & instances

   When does this happen already, even a little?
4. 4
   Scaling

   Where are you on the scale now? What would one point up look like?
5. 5
   Close

   Compliments + a small, concrete next step.

Signature techniques

Evidence base

Meta-analyses show small-to-moderate effects across diverse populations and presenting concerns, with the advantage of brevity. Particularly strong in school, family, and EAP contexts.

Common pitfalls

• ▸Becoming relentlessly positive — invalidates real distress.
• ▸Skipping the miracle question because it feels gimmicky — it's the engine.
• ▸Drifting back into problem-talk when the client is in crisis without first building safety.
• ▸Treating SFBT as a few questions rather than a full therapeutic stance.

Where to go next