Solution Focused Brief Therapy an Introduction
Make a personal evaluation of Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Identifying concepts and techniques which will facilitate you practice of CBT. |
Within this essay I shall provide a personal evaluation of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I shall endeavour to outline the main principles, processes and strengths. I will also explore some of the weaknesses of the approach demonstrating some of the limitations in terms of application to specific issues and problems. Additionally, the essay will explore issues of compatibility between SFBT and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I will also outline how and why I would incorporate SFBT into my personal practice as a companion to CBT.
Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) is described by Richard K. Nongard as follows;
“Solution focused brief therapy (SBFT) is strengths based approach that is focused on solution building rather than problem solving. It is a compantacy based model that minimises the emphasis on the problems of the past and instead highlights the client’s strengths and prior successes. SFBT is founded on the grounds that there are exceptions to every problem and though exploring these exceptions and having a clear picture of the desired future, solutions can be generated by the client and the therapist”. Richard K.Nongard (1994, p.5).
The development of SFBT as a tool for therapists can be understood in relation to the historical context of the developments within psychotherapy itself. Traditionally psychotherapeutic counsellors were considered the ‘experts’ treating the client’s problems. In the latter end of the 1950s and onwards there had been a growing alternative approach in psychology focusing on the clients knowledge and expertise and the counsellors collaborative roll in therapy.
SFBT was first conceptualised by Steve De Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg and colleagues at the Brief Family Therapy Centre in Milwaukee Wisconsin in the 1980s. Research was initiated to explore what made
Within this essay I shall provide a personal evaluation of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I shall endeavour to outline the main principles, processes and strengths. I will also explore some of the weaknesses of the approach demonstrating some of the limitations in terms of application to specific issues and problems. Additionally, the essay will explore issues of compatibility between SFBT and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I will also outline how and why I would incorporate SFBT into my personal practice as a companion to CBT.
Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) is described by Richard K. Nongard as follows;
“Solution focused brief therapy (SBFT) is strengths based approach that is focused on solution building rather than problem solving. It is a compantacy based model that minimises the emphasis on the problems of the past and instead highlights the client’s strengths and prior successes. SFBT is founded on the grounds that there are exceptions to every problem and though exploring these exceptions and having a clear picture of the desired future, solutions can be generated by the client and the therapist”. Richard K.Nongard (1994, p.5).
The development of SFBT as a tool for therapists can be understood in relation to the historical context of the developments within psychotherapy itself. Traditionally psychotherapeutic counsellors were considered the ‘experts’ treating the client’s problems. In the latter end of the 1950s and onwards there had been a growing alternative approach in psychology focusing on the clients knowledge and expertise and the counsellors collaborative roll in therapy.
SFBT was first conceptualised by Steve De Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg and colleagues at the Brief Family Therapy Centre in Milwaukee Wisconsin in the 1980s. Research was initiated to explore what made
References: 1. Peach Tree Professional Education, Inc. (1994) The Counselling & Social Work Superstore [Online], Available; http://www.FastCEUs.com 2 3. Cunanan, D, E. (2003) What Works When Learning Solution Focused Brief Therapy : A Qualitative, Analysis of Trainees Experiences [Online] Virginia; Virginia Polytechnic and State University. Available: Net Library [24th July 2003]. 4. Burwell, R. Chen, P, C. (2006) Applying the principles and techniques of solution-focused therapy to career counselling. [Online], Toronto: Ontario institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. Available: Net Library [June 2005]. 5. Bennett, L, J. and Butler, G. and Fennell, M. and Hackmann, A. And Mueller, M. and Westbrook D. (2010) Oxford Guide to Behavioural Experiments in Cognitive Therapy Oxford; Oxford University Press. 6. George, E. and Iverson, C. and Ratner,H. (2004) Problem to Solution: Brief Therapy with Individuals and Families Revised and Expanded Edition. London; Brief Therapy Press. Bieling, J, P. and McCabe, E, R. And Antony, M, M. (2009) Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy in Groups. New York; The Guildford Press. Burwell, R. Chen, P, C. (2006) Applying the principles and techniques of solution-focused therapy to career counselling. [Online], Toronto: Ontario institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. Available: Net Library [June 2005]. Cunanan, D, E. (2003) What Works When Learning Solution Focused Brief Therapy : A Qualitative, Analysis of Trainees Experiences [Online] Virginia; Virginia Polytechnic and State University. Available: Net Library [24th July 2003]. George, E. and Iverson, C. and Ratner,H. (2004) Problem to Solution: Brief Therapy with Individuals and Families Revised and Expanded Edition. London; Brief Therapy Press. Padesky, A,C. And Greenberger,D. (1995) Clinician’s Guide to Mind Over Mood. New York; The Guildford Press. Peach Tree Professional Education, Inc. (1994) The Counselling & Social Work Superstore [Online], Available; http://www.FastCEUs.com