Solutions Counseling

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), also called solutions therapy or solutions-based family therapy, is a structured, problem-solving-oriented type of counseling. Rather than discussing past experiences, solutions counseling sessions may address current challenges, conflicts, or emotional states to find helpful solutions. 

With the focus on goal-oriented and solutions-based counseling, an individual's diagnosis or symptoms may not be the main focus. Instead, the solutions counselor encourages them to develop a clear, detailed vision of the future and offers encouragement as the client determines the skills, resources, and solutions needed to achieve their vision successfully. 

Many solutions counselors feel that a vast amount of energy, time, money, and other resources are often spent through more traditional counseling approaches.

Solutions counseling overview

Solution-focused counseling involves assistance from a licensed counselor, many of whom have a master’s degree in mental health. This counselor can help clients find the most benefit in the shortest amount of time possible, including the following. 

A client-based approach to solutions-focused therapy 

In SFBT, the client is responsible for finding their answers through guidance from the solutions counselor. Although solutions counseling might not seem beneficial if you're the one answering your questions, a foundational belief of solutions counseling is that clients already have the necessary skills to create change in their lives. They may benefit from the involvement of a solutions counselor who helps them identify and develop those skills. 

Solutions counseling may make a difference because the counselor asks clients questions that help them realize how they've solved similar problems in the past. If you struggle to structure goals and plans for your future, your solutions counselor can support you, which may relieve feelings of anxiety or worry about the process.

Solutions counseling involves developing a vision of one's future and determining how one's existing internal abilities can be enhanced to attain the desired outcomes. Solutions counseling may be a beneficial approach for families and single parents with children, and may be combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) as well. Both CBT and DBT counseling strategies can assist children, young adults, and adults with a range of concerns like parenting issues, self-harm, and challenges related to sexual orientation. 

Counselors who practice solutions counseling guide their clients by recognizing healthy skills they already possess, exploring how to best continue implementing those effective strategies and recognizing or celebrating their successes. Additionally, practitioners of solutions counseling support their clients as they experiment with new problem-solving approaches they hadn't considered before. 

A fast resolution: Is therapy right for my mental health? 

Friendly, optimistic, and positive approaches to treatment 

Questions commonly asked in SFBT

Who can benefit from SFBT? 

• Play therapy: This therapy may involve creative and play-based interventions to help children express themselves, explore solutions, and build on their strengths with a client-centered approach
• Motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing in SFBT explores and amplifies clients' motivation for positive change, goal-setting, and solution-building. 
• School-based therapy: This therapy focuses on solutions and personal strengths to help students overcome challenges and enhance their well-being. It’s often conducted by a school social worker and may serve as a safe, discreet space for children to discuss domestic violence* and other challenges 

Alternative counseling and therapy options

Although solutions counseling works well for many people, there may be circumstances in which solutions counseling is best used along with other types of counseling. For instance, if you have experienced a past adverse event that continues to impact your present moment, you might benefit from a counselor that discusses the past in your counseling sessions. Solutions counseling doesn't allow you to do that.

One criticism of solutions counseling is that its quick, goal-oriented nature may not allow solutions counselors the necessary time to empathize with what their clients are experiencing. Clients might feel misunderstood if their solutions counselor is not meeting them on their emotional level sufficiently to illustrate understanding and validation. 

A second concern is how solutions counseling may discard or completely ignore information deemed valid and essential by other well-respected counseling modalities. For example, a relationship between the adverse issues clients face and the changes necessary to foster improvement is not assumed in solutions counseling. Any underlying reasons for maladaptive thoughts or behaviors may not be explored in solutions counseling. Individuals wishing to explore these areas may find it more advantageous to seek counseling that addresses such concerns.

Solutions counseling might not be the most effective choice if you want to talk about the past before you move on to the present and future. In these cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed therapy, or EMDR could be beneficial. You’ll find a couple of examples of counseling options below. 

Traditional family therapy 

Family counseling is a form of psychological counseling that addresses family issues and communication patterns within a family, aiming to enhance understanding and promote positive change. Note that many solutions professionals specialize in family and interpersonal relationship problems, but this is not the only option.

Traditional couples counseling

Couples counseling, also known as couples therapy or marriage counseling, is a therapeutic process designed to help partners navigate and resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their relationships. This type of counseling can address many types of relationship problems, leading to positive changes for both partners. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. This type of counseling may help address and alleviate various mental health challenges like low self-esteem or anxiety disorders by emphasizing the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

DBT is a form of CBT designed to treat individuals with emotion control and anger management difficulties for those who have experienced trauma. It often combines cognitive and behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to foster emotional balance and effective coping skills.

Online therapy options