Solution focused therapy (SFT)

What is Solution-Focused Therapy?

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a goal-oriented and empowering approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes finding solutions rather than focusing on problems. This innovative therapeutic method centers on clients' strengths and resources, guiding them to envision and achieve their desired outcomes. At Elevare Psychology and Wellbeing, we believe that every individual has the potential to create positive change in their lives, and SFT provides the framework to unlock that potential.

Solution-Focused Therapy is a short-term therapeutic approach that encourages clients to identify their goals and develop actionable steps to reach them. Rather than delving deeply into past issues or exploring the origins of problems, SFT focuses on what works for clients and how they can create a preferred future. This approach is particularly effective for individuals seeking to make meaningful changes in their lives quickly.

Key Principles of SFT

  1. Goal Orientation
    SFT begins with the client’s vision of their desired future. Therapists help clients articulate specific, realistic, and achievable goals, fostering a sense of direction and purpose.

  2. Focus on Solutions
    The therapy emphasizes identifying and building upon existing strengths and resources. Clients are encouraged to recognize their past successes and explore how those strategies can be applied to current challenges.

  3. Empowerment and Agency
    Solution-Focused Therapy empowers clients by reinforcing their autonomy and capacity for change. Clients are seen as experts in their own lives, and therapists collaborate with them to create solutions that resonate with their values and aspirations.

  4. Brief and Time-Limited
    SFT is often structured as a brief intervention, typically consisting of fewer sessions compared to traditional therapeutic models. This makes it an effective option for those looking for quick, focused support.

Benefits of Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Strength-Based Approach: SFT emphasizes the client’s strengths, helping them realize their capabilities and potential for change.

  • Efficiency: The time-limited nature of SFT allows clients to achieve meaningful results in a short period, making it a practical choice for many.

  • Future-Focused: By concentrating on solutions and future possibilities, clients often feel more hopeful and motivated to pursue their goals.

  • Flexibility: SFT can be applied to a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

Is Solution-Focused Therapy Right for You?

Solution-Focused Therapy is ideal for individuals looking for a practical, efficient way to address challenges and create positive change. If you find yourself feeling stuck or overwhelmed by problems, SFT may help you shift your focus toward solutions and empower you to take action.