Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Solution Focused Brief Therapy is a well researched and valuable talking therapy which:
- looks for solutions to problems in the present, drawing on past experiences
- focuses on your skills, strengths and hopes and goals for the present and future
- looks at the changes you want and believe you have
- looks at finding ways to achieve these changes.
Diagnosis is not important for access to this therapy.
If you are seeking change and willing to work outside of sessions to try out new ways of dealing with a problem, this may well be for you.
How does this therapy work?
Solution Focused Brief Therapy does not assume you need a specific type of help for a particular problem –individuals can make the changes that are right for them.
Therapists will work with individuals, couples or groups. There may be more than one therapist available within the session.
The therapist is not the expert on your life. Their expertise is to
- listen to your problems and to acknowledge your struggles
- help you understand what has and hasn’t helped
- work with you to find your way to make the changes you need.
It is a ‘collaborative’ therapy.
What will happen first?
The first session provides an opportunity to talk about your goals and the challenges you face. It will also help decide whether this therapy will might be helpful to you.
What does it cover?
This work explores:
- What has been happening
- Patterns of belief and behaviours in roles and relationships, which may be affecting your wellbeing and mental health.
- Solutions you’ve tried
- Things that make your problems easier to deal with.
- Specific changes you and others want
- Things you will try to do differently outside of the sessions.
What does each session involve?
Each session will last about an hour.
There is often a break so you and the therapist can reflect and make sure nothing is being missed. If there are other therapists in the session, their perspectives and thoughts can also be heard.
Before the end of the session, goals and ways forward will be explored.
You may be asked to give feedback on the session and whether you would find another one useful.
How long does therapy last?
Solution Focused Brief Therapy does not assume you will need a set amount of therapy.
It can range from a single session to many.
The sessions are usually fortnightly or monthly, as the benefits come from doing things differently outside of the sessions.
The relationship with your therapist is central to it being helpful. If it is not working, your therapist should be happy to review this.
Further information
‘Being a Solution Detective’ by John Sharry, Brendan Madden and Melissa Darmody (2001) Brief Therapy Press
‘From Problem to Solution’ by Harvey Ratner, Evan George and Chris Iveson (2006 Reprint) Brief Therapy Press
Available from: www.btpress.co.uk
‘Solution-focused Therapy: Theory, Research and Practice’ by Alasdair J Macdonald (2007)
Sage: London
Further information is also available from: www.solutionsdoc.co.uk
Contact
For more information, please ask to speak to the psychological therapies services manager in your area.
BSL Video Relay
https://connect.interpreterslive.co.uk/vrs?ilc=AvonWiltshireMHT and ask for our number; or for switchboard 01225 731731 to connect you.
For information on Trust services visit www.awp.nhs.uk
PALS
To make a comment, raise a concern or make a complaint, please contact the Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Tel: 01225 362 900
Freephone: 0800 073 1778
Email: awp
Other languages and formats
If you need this information in another format (such as large print, Easy Read), please call
the PALS number.
For information in other languages, audio and ‘read aloud’, please click on the Recite Me button at the top of our website 
Lead: Head of Psychological Therapies
Leaflet code: 050 AWP
Last reviewed: April 2024
Next review due: April 2026