What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, often shortened to SFBT, is a practical, forward-looking therapy developed by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and colleagues. As the name suggests, it focuses on solutions rather than problems, and it is designed to be brief, often making a real difference in a small number of sessions.
Most therapies spend considerable time understanding a problem and where it came from. SFBT takes a different view. It assumes that you already have strengths, resources, and moments when things go better, and that building on these is often the quickest route to change. Rather than asking why you are stuck, it asks what you want instead, and what small steps will move you toward it.
At Integro Health, SFBT is delivered by registered psychologists and qualified therapists in a warm, non-judgemental environment in South West WA, in person or online.
How SFBT works
SFBT is built on a hopeful and practical idea: that the seeds of a solution are usually already present in your life, even when things feel stuck. There are almost always times when a problem is a little less intense, or when you cope a little better. SFBT pays close attention to these exceptions, and to the strengths that make them possible, and helps you do more of what already works.
Using carefully crafted questions, your therapist helps you build a clear, vivid picture of the future you want, and identify the small, concrete steps that will take you there. Rather than dwelling on the problem, sessions focus on progress, on what is going better and what the next small step could be. This forward momentum is often energising, and change can come surprisingly quickly.
SFBT respects that you are the expert on your own life. The therapist’s role is to help you find and build on your own resources.
How SFBT works in practice
SFBT is practical, positive, and usually brief. Rather than following a long analysis, it moves quickly toward the change you want, building on what already works.
Picturing the future you want
Together, we build a clear, concrete picture of how you want things to be. Knowing where you are heading, in real detail, is often the first and most powerful step toward getting there.
Finding what already works
We look for the times, however small, when things go a little better, and the strengths and resources behind them. These exceptions are the seeds of your solution.
Taking small, concrete steps
Rather than tackling everything at once, we identify the next small, achievable step, and build momentum from there. Small changes often lead to bigger ones.
Noticing progress
Using simple tools like scaling, we keep track of what is improving and what is helping, so you can see your progress and do more of what works.
Moving forward
Because it is brief and focused, SFBT helps you reach your goals and finish when you are ready, with a clear sense of how to keep the momentum going.
Meet our practitioners
At Integro Health, solution-focused brief therapy is delivered by registered psychologists and qualified therapists with genuine warmth and years of experience. Take a moment to read about our practitioners and find the right fit for you.
Dr Paul King
General Practitioner
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery
FRACGP Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Jools Fordyce
Social Worker & Family Therapist
Bachelor (Hons) – Applied Social Science with Diploma in Social Work
Postgraduate Diploma in Family and Relationship Therapy
Brooke Eden
Psychologist
Bachelor of Psychology
Graduate Diploma of Education
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
Nicholas Kerr
Psychologist
Masters of Psychology (Organisational)
Bachelor of Arts
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
Carli King
Office Administrator
As Practice Manager, Carli keeps the daily operations of Integro Health running smoothly, ensuring our clients always receive the highest standard of care.
What SFBT can help with
Stress
Support to understand what is driving chronic stress and build a more sustainable way to live, before it tips into…
Stress →
Relationship Problems
Understand the patterns that keep repeating in your relationships and build the connection you are looking for. Support in Bunbury…
Relationship Problems →
Workplace Stress
Protect your wellbeing and think clearly about a difficult work situation, whether you stay, change roles, or need support to…
Workplace Stress →
Low Self-Esteem
Build a steadier, kinder relationship with yourself and quieten a harsh inner critic. Psychological support in Bunbury and online across…
Low Self-Esteem →
Anxiety
Practical, evidence-based help for worry, racing thoughts, and constant unease, so you can feel safe in your own life again.…
Anxiety →
Burnout
Recover from burnout and rebuild a sustainable way of living and working, not just top up the tank. Support in…
Burnout →Why Integro Health
Registered, experienced clinicians
Your therapy is delivered by registered psychologists and qualified therapists trained in the approach. Experience and genuine care come as standard.
A whole-person approach
We look at every part of you, your thoughts, feelings, relationships, and circumstances, because difficulties rarely sit in just one area of life.
The right approach for you
We use solution-focused brief therapy where it genuinely fits, and draw on other evidence-based approaches when they would help, rather than forcing a one-size formula.
In Bunbury and online
See us in person at our Eaton clinic near Bunbury, or by secure telehealth anywhere in South West WA and beyond. The choice is yours.
Is SFBT effective? The evidence
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy has a solid and growing evidence base. Research supports its effectiveness across a range of concerns, and shows that, for many people, meaningful change can be achieved in relatively few sessions, which makes it an efficient and accessible approach.
Part of its strength is its focus on strengths and progress rather than problems, which many people find hopeful and energising. By building on what already works, it can create momentum quickly.
SFBT is not the right approach for everyone or every difficulty. Where something calls for deeper exploration, such as long-standing patterns or unresolved trauma, a different or complementary approach may serve you better, and we will say so. For clear, practical goals, though, it is often remarkably effective.
What to expect in SFBT
SFBT can feel refreshingly different. Rather than spending session after session going over what is wrong, your therapist will be curious about what you want instead, about times things go better, and about the strengths you bring.
You can expect thoughtful, sometimes unexpected questions designed to help you picture your preferred future and spot the small steps toward it. Sessions are practical, focused, and future-oriented, and the whole approach is usually brief. Sessions run for around 50 minutes.
You can read more about what to expect on our first session page.
Is SFBT right for you?
SFBT may be a great fit if you have a fairly clear sense of what you want to change, if you prefer a practical, forward-looking approach over deep exploration, or if you want to make progress in a shorter timeframe. It works well for specific goals and situations, and it draws on strengths you already have.
SFBT is one of several approaches we offer. If your difficulties are deep-seated or rooted in trauma or long-standing patterns, an approach like schema therapy, EMDR, or longer-term psychotherapy may suit better. If you are not sure what you need, reaching out is a good first step, and we can help you decide together.
Your questions answered
It can seem surprising, but focusing on solutions rather than problems is exactly what makes SFBT effective and efficient. We do acknowledge what is hard, we simply do not dwell there. By building on the times things already go better, and on your existing strengths, change often comes more quickly than by analysing the problem in depth.
SFBT is designed to be short. Some people make real progress in just a handful of sessions, sometimes even one or two, though this varies with the person and the goal. It is one of the more efficient therapies, and we finish when you feel ready, not by a fixed schedule.
Solution-focused brief therapy provided by a registered psychologist can attract a Medicare rebate if you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, which covers up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. We are happy to explain what applies to you and talk through the options and costs before you begin.
SFBT suits many situations, but not all. For deep-seated or complex difficulties, such as trauma or long-standing patterns, a deeper or longer approach may serve you better, and we will be honest about that. Sometimes SFBT is a helpful start, and sometimes another approach fits from the outset. We will help you find the right path.
No. SFBT is not about ignoring problems or forcing optimism. It fully acknowledges your difficulties. It simply chooses to build change from your strengths and from what already works, rather than from analysing what is wrong. It is practical and grounded, not a matter of thinking happy thoughts.
Yes. We offer sessions by secure telehealth across South West WA and Australia-wide, as well as in person at our Eaton clinic near Bunbury. For most people online sessions are just as effective, and they are especially helpful if you are in a regional area or short on time. You can read more on our online therapy page.
No referral is needed to book a session. You can contact us directly to arrange a first appointment. If you would like to access a Medicare rebate through a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you will need a GP referral first, and we can guide you through that.
SFBT works well for clear, practical goals and a range of concerns, including stress, workplace stress, relationship difficulties, confidence and self-esteem, and mild to moderate anxiety. If you are not sure whether it fits, we are happy to advise.
Medically reviewed by
General Practitioner
The clinical information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr Paul King, General Practitioner at Integro Health. It is general information, and not a substitute for personal medical or psychological advice.
