Solution-focused therapies (SFT), also called solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), are a goal-oriented, strength-based approach to therapy that focuses more on finding solutions than on addressing the root of problems. This pragmatic approach is widely applied in different settings, such as family therapy, organisational coaching, and individual counselling. Its methods empower clients by helping them visualise and achieve the desired outcomes.

This article explores the top techniques used in solution focused therapy and how they assist clients in achieving meaningful progress.

• Establishing Clear Goals

Setting clear and attainable goals is an important technique in solution-focused therapies. In this technique, clients are encouraged to express what they want from therapy. Instead of focusing only on what they would like to avoid in the future, clients are encouraged to describe their desired goals. These goals must be specific and measurable to ensure that progress is visible.

When you frame your therapy around clear, measurable goals, you give both the client and the therapist a structure to follow. This enhances motivation and clarifies the process.

• The Miracle Question

The miracle question marks solution-focused treatment. This technique invites clients to describe their ideal lives and how they would feel if the problem were solved. It encourages the client to focus on solutions and not obstacles.

This forward-thinking question will also help the client identify steps to achieve their ideal result.

• Scaling Questions

SFT employs a variety of scaled questions to evaluate motivation, confidence, and progress. Clients rate their current state, achievement of goals, or emotional condition on a scale from 1 to 10. This technique allows both the therapist and the client to quantify abstract feelings and track improvement over time.

Scaling questions help identify small steps that customers can take towards moving up the scale. They also foster a strong sense of accomplishment.

• Exception-Finding Questions

Solution-focused counselling focuses on pinpointing times when problems were less severe or even non-existent. The questions that help clients find exceptions allow them to discover what happened during these times and then how they could replicate those patterns. These questions focus more on past achievements than failures. It reinforces a client’s ability to overcome challenges.

This technique shifts a client’s narrative away from defeat and toward empowerment. It emphasises the individual’s strength and resilience.

• Highlighting Strengths And Resources

In solution-focused therapies, therapists actively identify the client’s strengths, past accomplishments, and resources. This technique helps clients understand that they already have all the resources and tools needed to succeed. By drawing attention to these assets, the therapists encourage their clients to work towards solutions.

This strength-based strategy fosters confidence in the client and their ability to achieve goals.

• Future-Focused Conversations

SFT concentrates on the Future rather than the past. Future-focused dialogues help clients visualise the desired outcomes they want and explore how positive changes will be brought about when their goals are achieved. This forward-thinking approach can inspire and guide clients by helping them create a mental vision of success.

By maintaining a positive outlook on the future, the therapist helps clients remain motivated.

• Using Compliments

Compliments, while simple and powerful, are essential in solution-focused therapy. Therapists acknowledge their clients’ efforts, successes, and progress by providing constructive feedback. Compliments validate client experiences and encourage clients to continue working towards their goals.

This positive feedback builds rapport and fosters an encouraging therapeutic relationship. It also helps clients feel confident and competent.

• Reframing Problems

Reframing involves changing the client’s perspective to a more positive and constructive view of their issue. This technique helps the client see their opportunities for growth and areas they can control. By changing how clients see their challenges, reframing promotes a more solution-oriented mentality and reduces their feelings of helplessness.

Conclusion

Solution-focused therapies are practical methods of mental health care that empower patients by focusing on solutions instead of problems. Goal-setting techniques, such as the “miracle question,” scaling questions, or exception-finding, help clients focus their attention on their strengths, visualise and achieve their goals, and take actionable steps to reach them. SFT empowers its clients by focusing on positive thinking, collaboration, and the future.

These techniques make solution-focused therapy a powerful method for individuals who seek to be supported in a way that produces effective results.