Solution-Focused Therapy
Co-authored by Dariusz Szajnert MSW, LCSW and Catherine Myers MSW, LCSWA, LCASA
What we like about Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)?
“There is something amazing that happens in a session when a previously un-recognized or unearthed success is revealed. It’s a powerful moment to see someone in a session consciously become aware of an achievement they overlooked. That reminder of what they did, how they did it, and that they can do it again builds their confidence!”
– Dariusz Szajnert
MSW, LCSW
“Solution-Focused Therapy is action-oriented and focused on moving forward. I enjoy collaborating with clients to create realistic, meaningful goals and celebrating the progress they've already made. Recognizing strengths and small successes often builds the confidence needed for lasting change.”
- Catherine Myers
MSW, LCSWA, LCASA
How did Solution Focused Therapy get started?
Solution-Focused Therapy is an evidence based therapeutic approach developed in the 1970’s and 1980’s by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve De Shazer. Insoo Kim Berg was a Korean born American therapist born in 1934 in Korea, moved to the USA in 1957, and became a therapist. Steve De Shazer grew up in Milwaukee in the 1940’s and 1950’s, was a therapist in California. They met as colleagues, researched together, became a couple, and later married. They moved to Milwaukee and co-founded the Brief Family Therapy Center and pioneered Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a future oriented approach that emphasizes:
• Identifying strengths
• Building on past and existing
successes
• Creating practical solutions
rather than becoming stuck in
problems
By focusing on what is working, clients often feel more empowered to create meaningful change in their lives. SFT can be especially effective for individuals facing stress or major life transitions, as it highlights resilience and actionable steps forward. Rather than focusing on the origins of a problem, SFT encourages clients to recognize their existing resources and apply them to current challenges. The therapist is curious to learn more about the capabilities the client possesses and their abilities, rather than taking an all-knowing expert stance as a mental health professional. This collaborative approach helps foster a greater sense of control over one’s circumstances.
Who can benefit
from SFT?
Solutions Focused Therapy is beneficial as part of treatment for following in mental health:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Autism
• Managing stress,
including academic
and work struggles
• Self-Esteem issues
• Interpersonal conflicts
in relationships (including
in families, and for couples)
• Life transitions
• Children/adolescent
behavior issues
• Adolescents reluctant to discuss emotions in depth
• Military personnel and veterans
• Addiction and Substance use
Wondering what’s the length of time for this Solution-Focused
Brief Therapy?
For many after 4-8 sessions they may feel better and can continue changes started on their own.
Solution Focused Therapy can be used longer, beyond 8 sessions depending on the complexity of the challenges experienced, pace of progress, multifaceted issues being worked on (i.e. dual diagnosis, comorbid disorder), or evolving/more broad goals.
