Solution Focused Therapy

What Does it Mean to be Solution Focused?

A Solution Focus moves the attention within the talking therapy onto your best hopes, rather than focusing on problems. Many psychotherapies work within a medical model of disorder and treatment, whereas Solution Focused practice supports clarity on where you want to be, without needing labels, and by doing so can help us get there quicker.

The Solution Focused approach was developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. The approach developed from working with families and couples, as well as individuals. The focus is on where you want to be, what you are already noticing of that taking shape, and clarity on your way forward. It is not about goal setting in the traditional sense, and the therapist is not at all expected to be directive.

What Can Solution Focused Therapy Help with?

Anything! Since this is not a medical model, it is not about matching problems or difficulties to the 'right' therapy, but rather it is right for anyone who would like to try this approach. It can help you see your way towards a life free from worry and towards calm, and towards finding contentment and coping. As well as being beneficial for individuals, it is often valued in business coaching as well as supporting couples and families.

How Does it Work?

Often we know what we don't want anymore, but trouble always knowing what we want instead. Through our conversations, we will work to understand your best hopes for your difficulties. We spend time on building detail of what you want to be different, and spend time on seeing how this destination is starting to take shape. When we know where we are going - we are more likely to get there.

This approach is about inviting answers to what life might be like if the problem was solved. These answers lead to an emerging picture of a hoped-for future. The clearer this becomes the greater the possibility of it beginning to happen.