Solution-Focused Brief Theory

Solution-Focused Brief Theory

Introduction

The solution-focused brief theory, SFBT, is an approach to counseling based on the solution building rather than problem solving.  In solution-focused brief therapy, the client’s current resources, strengths and future hopes are explored rather than the past and present problems (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).  This approach can therefore be regarded as programmatic and focuses on solutions to problems using the most efficient techniques. DeShazer and his associates (Burwell & Chen, 2006), developed the theory at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The theory is based on the fundamental belief that an individual possesses what is required to achieve their objectives. It further argues that individuals only needs knowledge and drive so as to be able to achieve their objectives. In this approach, the counselor does not need to know the cause of the problem but only focuses on the solution to the problem. This implies that the theory focuses on what the client wants to achieve instead of past achievement.

Solution-focused brief therapy works on the principle that change is constant and inevitable (Burwell & Chen, 2006).  The person conducting SFBT is required to examine the behavior of a client life that they are interested in changing and what they want to achieve. This requires the client and the therapist to ensure a close relationship and work together so as to come up with solution to the problem. This counseling approach requires both the client and therapist to act as experts in providing solution to the problems identified. In SFBT, therapists provide guidance to the client in finding solutions to problems. This enables the client to identify actions taken in the past for achieving the expected outcome.  The client is also able to identify possible actions to be taken so as to achieve future potential.  Since the main basis of SFBT is its focus on the future, reliance on past experience should be regarded as a resource for a change.

Theories of Solution-Focused Counseling

Various theories can be applied in the solution-focused counseling. The theories used in solution-focused counseling determine the effectiveness of SFBT in providing solution to the client’s problem.  Some principles applied in this counseling approach include focus on positive change, change as inevitable, building collaborative alliance, and attention to solutions. Other principles include focus on resources, goal orientation and client as expert (Burwell & Chen, 2006).  These theories are all important for the success of solution based counseling. Therapists should base their counseling on these principles when involved in solution based counseling. The theories that I prefer to use in solution focused counseling include focus on positive change, focus on resources, client as expert, and attention to solutions. This is because these principles enable the client to take a leading role in the counseling process.

Focus On Positive Change

The solution focused-counseling relies on the fundamental belief that positive change is possible to all individuals. This belief is important since solution focused-brief therapy do not seek explanations and cause of problems. The theory focuses on the identification and understanding of the solution to a problem based on client’s experiences (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The solutions are also obtained from the current resources rather than past resources. Counseling based on this theory is aimed at providing solutions that enable an individual to change and realize his or her potential.

Focus On Resources

The theory emphasizes on the client’s strengths and resources and avoids focusing on limitations of clients.  This enables the client to concentrate on his or her strengths rather than on his or her problems.  The solutions to the client’s problems are achieved using the client’s resources. The main idea behind the use of client’s own resources is to allow the client to use his or her own potential and resources to find solutions to the problems.

Client as an Expert

Solution focused brief therapy also applies the principle of making the client to be an expert regarding the problem he or she faces.  Therapists are in this case not allowed to play the role of being expert in providing solutions to the clients needs. This allows the client and therapist to work in collaboration. The client takes the leading role as an expert for the treatment and realization of the goal of the therapy. To achieve this principle, solution-focused counseling begins at the client’s current status and the counselor accepts the opinion and views of the client.

Attention to Solution

This principle states that problems are not solved but solutions are constructed. This theory makes solutions to be regarded as a substance of positive change (Burwell & Chen, 2006).  The construction of solutions is based on the joint effort of the client and the therapists. This theory ensures that the therapist and the client concentrate on development of solutions instead on concentrating on the causes and nature of the problems.  According to this theory, provision of solution is an important element considered by the therapist and client.

Techniques of Solution-Focused Brief Theory

A number of techniques can be used by therapists to ensure that solution focused brief theory is effective and successful. The techniques that can be used in this theory include scaling questions, compliments, exceptions and the miracle questions.

Scaling Questions

These are questions that are simple to understand and straight forward. These questions are directed to clients by therapists with the aim of measuring the client’s progress. They can also used to search for exceptions, explore future steps or assess motivation of clients. Scaling questions are important in ensuring that clients are specific on the steps needed to achieve solution to their problems (Watts & Pietrzak, 2000). An example of a scaling questions could be a case where a client is asked to rate his or her experience on a scale of one to ten. In this case a scale of one might represent the best option while ten represent the worst option.

Compliments

The use of compliments is another technique that can be used by therapist in solution-focused counseling. Compliments facilitate people towards building solutions to their problems. Compliments ensure that client’s experiences are normalized, meaning of a problem restructured and that solutions building competency is achieved.  According to various therapists, compliments are helpful in making clients understand their situations and make them feel that they are heard. It also ensures that they have a sense of optimism and hope.  The solution focused-brief therapy compliments can take various forms that include normalizing statements, restructuring statements, affirmations and bridging statements. Normalizing statements is a compliment that makes clients to feel that the problem he or she is experiencing is understandable and being shared by others.  Restructuring statements are used in cases where a client feels that her or his problems are out of his or her control.  Affirmation on the other hand are compliments that give positive feedback to clients by making them acknowledge the importance of their resources in developing solutions to their problems. Bridging statements are the suggestions made to serve as a link between the problem and the potential next step.

Exceptions

Exceptions in solution focused-counseling are aimed at providing excuses to the existence of a problem. The stories that are centered on exceptions enable clients to learn from the things they already know.  In the event that a client is unable to identify an exception, then it is recommended that an exception should be assumed.  Exceptions help clients to understand and view a problem from a different perspective and this enhance the chance of constructing solutions to the problems.

Miracle Question

Miracle question is one of the common techniques that are used by therapists in solution-focused brief therapy.  Miracle questions elicit possible solutions and ideas from the clients in a manner that they have never experienced before (Watts & Pietrzak, 2000).  The use of miracle question is suitable in cases where clients are not satisfied with their current status. It is aimed at providing more details from the clients that help understand the problem and develop appropriate solution to the problems.

Conclusions

Solution focused-brief therapy is a counseling approach that focuses on encouraging clients to find solutions to their problems. This counseling approach allows the client to take a leading role in constructing solutions to their problems.  To effectively achieve the objectives of the solution focused brief therapy, certain theories and techniques must be applied by the client and therapist. This essay provides the various theories and techniques that are important in obtaining the objective of solution-focused therapy.

References

Burwell, R., & Chen, C. P. (2006). Applying the principles and techniques of solution-focused

therapy to career counselling. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 19(2), 189-203

Seligman , L., & Reichenberg, W.L. (2010). “Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy:

Systems, Strategies, and Skills. (3rd ed.)

Watts, R. E., & Pietrzak, D. (2000). Adlerian “encouragement” and the therapeutic process of

solution-focused brief therapy. Journal of Counseling and Development : JCD, 78(4), 442-447.

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