Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is particularly well-suited for those who have specific, well-defined problems seeking a straightforward solution in a relatively short period. This method is goal-directed and strongly melds the individuals current strengths, resources, and capabilities to make progress in resolving the solution. SFBT is often referred to as a strengths-based approach.

A strengths-based approach to therapy is a therapeutic framework that focuses on identifying and leveraging an individual’s strengths, resources, and capabilities to promote growth, resilience, and healing. Rather than solely focusing on deficits, weaknesses, or pathology, this approach emphasizes the positive aspects of the individual’s personality, experiences, and abilities.
How Solution Focused Therapy Works Quickly:
- Change is Constant and Certain: SFBT operates on the belief that change is both constant and inevitable.
- Focus on the Future: The therapy is future-focused, helping the individual to envision and detail the kind of future they want to create.
- Building on Strengths: SFBT identifies and enhances the patients’ existing resources and strengths.
- Developing Clear Goals: Therapists help their patient to formulate precise, concise, realistic goals.
- Looking for Exceptions: The approach seeks to identify times when the problem does not occur, focusing on these exceptions to help create successful outcomes.
- The Miracle Question: The Miracle Question allows the patient to envision their preferred future and identify solutions.
Who is Solution Focused Therapy For?
SFBT has been found to be effective in a variety of settings and can be a useful tool for many people.. It is particularly helpful in situations where an individual is seeking a solution to a specific problem and is motivated to change. Here are some areas where SFBT can be especially beneficial:
- Mild to Moderate Depression: Helps individuals build on their own capabilities and envision a future with fewer depressive symptoms.
- Anxiety Disorders: Useful in helping to focus on moments when the individual feels less anxious, thus increasing their sense of control and competence.
- Relationship Problems: Assists in identifying and replicating positive interactions between partners or family members.
- Behavioral Problems in Children and Adolescents: Effective in addressing specific behaviors by focusing on times when the desired behavior is present.
- Substance Use Disorders: Supports the patient in recognizing times when they resist using substances and helps them expand these successful behaviors.
- Stress Management: Helps individuals identify strategies that have worked in past stressful situations to manage current stress more effectively.
SFBT is noted for its brevity; typically, treatment is completed in fewer sessions than other therapy modalities. This brevity and focus on change can be highly motivating for many, as they are able to see immediate improvements in their situations. It’s a versatile approach that can be combined with other therapeutic methods and adapted to meet the unique needs of each person..
TMS
by Deb (age 64)
Category: generalThe hoops I jumped through in order to be evaluated were straightforward and efficient. I met with PA Kaitlin for about an hour to discuss my history and previous medications. Then Dr. Amato joined us to further discuss my history, the TMS treatment, and answer any questions. Myrna gathered all of the information and submitted it to my health insurance company to request coverage for TMS. Fortunately, insurance approved the treatment and I was able to begin the next week. I’m sure most people have anxiety about starting a treatment like TMS. No matter how many times it’s described to you, there are many unknowns. How will I feel during treatment? Is it painful? What if this doesn’t work? What if it works for a while but then stops? In all honesty, I was very uncomfortable during the first couple of weeks of treatment. The alternating two seconds of tapping sensation caused some pain during treatment, and at the end of the first week I thought about quitting. But I had sworn to myself that TMS was a last resort and I HAD TO complete the treatment and give it a chance to work. My technician, Heather, told me that some people don’t feel the tapping at all, they only hear it. Guess I wasn’t one of those people! But as the days went by, it became easier to tolerate the treatments. During this time I also saw Lauren weekly for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is highly recommended for people undergoing TMS treatment, and it was a positive complement to my total of 100 minutes each week “under the helmet”. The weekend between weeks three and four, I started to notice subtle improvements in my mood, increased belief in my self-worth, and enthusiasm for simple things like going for walks, meeting friends for lunch, and taking on volunteer work in the community. I hesitated at first to believe that TMS was helping me. I was afraid that I was convincing myself it was working because I so desperately wanted it to! But now that I am past the treatment I can say with cert
TMS
by Barbie (age 68)
Category: generalI feel so blessed to participate in the TMS protocol at MT Psychiatry. After struggling so many years with depression and not getting significant results from medication, particularly of late, I noticed positive results in the first two weeks of treatment. TMS can literally give you back the beauty & joy in living as well as the courage to make positive life changes and improvements in your daily living situation. I heartily encourage anyone to put yourself into the hands of the amazing TMS team who so gently and graciously make this journey with you out of the black hole that is depression. It is my honor and privilege to give the TMS treatment the highest recommendation.
TMS
by Shayne (age 66)
Category: generalI am grateful for the support and caring I have received from Dr. Amato (and Heidi, Heather and Myrna) in my quest for mental health and a fuller more productive life. While the TMS results have been subtle, I feel more positive about my future and I would recommend this team absolutely. Thank you!
TMS
by Carrie (age 65)
Category: generalNot realizing how fuzzy my head was, I thought I was only going through severe anxiety and depression. Through the insight of Pat, I was able to go through TMS treatments which brought down the anxiety and depression immensely and has cleared up the fuzzy, far off substantially. All the personnel treated me with kindness and I’m sure their attitudes helped in my recovery.
TMS
by Bridget (age 47)
Category: generalThe first outcome of TMS I noted happened early in my treatment, at about the beginning of week two. I felt as though my “brain fog” had been chipped away. I wish I could report that I feel my mental health issues are in “remission”, but I can’t do so yet. My hope is that I will see improvement in the weeks to come, now that my TMS cycle has ended. I can say that my brain feels – in some way – different; I can’t explain exactly how. I continue to struggle at this point in time but sill have hope for more improvement.
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