Basics of SFBT

Founder/developer(s) of the theory: Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg  

Summary of the key concepts and therapeutic process: 

Key Concepts:

1. Focus on solutions, not problems: SFBT emphasizes what clients want to achieve rather than focusing on problems or past struggles.

2. Client strengths and resources: Therapists believe clients already possess the tools needed to solve their challenges.

3. Change is constant and possible: Even small changes are meaningful and can lead to bigger shifts.

4. Future-focused and goal-oriented: The therapy is more concerned with where the client is going than where they’ve been.

5. “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it”: SFBT avoids overanalyzing and sticks to what’s working.

Therapeutic Process:

1. Identify Goals: The therapist helps the client define what they want life to look like when the problem is no longer present.

2. Use the Miracle Question: Clients imagine a future where the problem has disappeared and describe what that would look and feel like.

3. Explore Exceptions: Identifying times when the problem was less severe or absent, and examining what was different in those moments.

4. Scaling Questions: Clients rate their progress or confidence on a scale (e.g., 0 to 10), helping to track change and build motivation.

5. Compliments and Encouragement: Therapists highlight and affirm the client’s strengths, effort, and past successes.

6. Develop Action Steps: Small, concrete, and doable steps are created based on what’s already working.

Goals of Theory:

• 1. 1. Help clients envision and move toward their preferred future.

     2. Identify and amplify strengths, resources, and past successes.

     3. Create small, meaningful changes that build momentum.

     4. Encourage hope and empower clients to be the agents of their own change.