Therapy doesn't have to take years to be effective.

    Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a short-term, goal-focused therapeutic approach which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Elements of the desired solution often are already present in the client’s life, and it is the solution-focused therapist's job is to help clients recognize and build upon these areas of strength. The therapist in this style of therapy is active but not directive, encouraging clients to view themselves as agents of change rather than victims of circumstance. A solution-focused perspective is based on the belief that significant therapeutic change can occur quickly, an approach that is gaining in popularity since the advent of managed forms of health care. This relatively new form of therapy was originally developed by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and the team at the Brief Family Therapy Center of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the mid-1980's, but has its roots in the earlier work of Milton Erickson. Related areas of strategic and narrative forms of therapy have also been developed by the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, California and Bill O'Hanlon in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
    Clay Watkins has six years of training and experience using this style of therapy and invites you to contact him with any questions you might have. Call or e-mail him today to schedule your free phone consultation. It is never too late to start enjoying your life more.

Components of a Brief Treatment Perspective

The therapist takes responsibility for the effectiveness of therapy.

The therapist assists the client in developing a clear goal for therapy.

The therapist supports and works toward helping clients reach their goals, letting the client be the expert.

The therapist is willing to take a one-down position, helping the client to become their own therapist.

The therapist stays in the present, helping the client stay focused on their stated goal.

Instead of looking for a cure, the therapist looks for ways to get the client unstuck.

Main therapeutic goals are: decreased client dependency and increased patient responsibility.

The therapist assumes that many changes will occur outside of therapy. Homework is assigned to help the client expect and look for the changes that will be occurring between sessions.

Steps in the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Process

Evaluating the perspectives and beliefs of the client (Complaining vs Non-Complaining, Suggestible vs Oppositional, Victim or Agent of Change, Goal-Oriented vs Process-Oriented) to determine possible therapeutic response strategies

Helping clients clarify their goal for therapy (goals should be specific, time-limited, quantifiable, active, positive, within their control, modifiable)

Exploring and mining past successful solutions

Exploring new solutions

Exploring and learning from the client's past unsuccessful solution attempts

Exploring strategies to continue therapeutic gains after therapy recesses

Recessing the client

Solution-Focused Links

Bibliography

Research on the topic

Overview of research on the topic

Online classes from the Brief Therapy Institute in Denver

Insoo Berg's "hot tips" about applying solution-focused brief therapy

Solution-Focused work with kids

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