Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
You Don’t Need to Revisit Your Entire Past to Move Forward
SFBT helps you build solutions, not dwell on problems, in just a few sessions
Miracle Questions
Imagine life without the problem to define clear goals.
Pre-Therapy Change
Highlight positive shifts before the first session.
Therapist Feedback to Clients
Offer strengths-based encouragement and insights.
Formula First Session Task
Notice what's already working before the next session.
Exception Changes
Explore times when the problem didn’t occur.
Scaling Questions
Rate progress to set goals and track change.
What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented, future-focused approach that helps you identify what’s working — and how to do more of it.
Instead of analyzing problems in depth, SFBT emphasizes your strengths, resources, and preferred future. It’s ideal for clients who want to move forward quickly or are navigating a specific decision, block, or goal.
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What SFBT Helps With
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is ideal for navigating life decisions, short-term challenges, or feeling stuck. It helps build confidence, boost motivation, and set clear goals—whether in school, work, or parenting. SFBT is also great for mild anxiety or depression, and for clients seeking time-limited support without diving into deeper trauma work.
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Rapid Results
Client Empowerment
Positive Focus
Goal-Oriented Structure
Short-Term Commitment
Is SFBT Right for Me?
SFBT might be a good fit if:
You’re solution-minded and don’t want to dig too deep
You’re working through a very specific issue (e.g., career, relationships, decisions)
You want a focused, time-limited approach
You’ve done deeper therapy already and just need a tune-up
You’re overwhelmed and need momentum
How SFBT Works
SFBT is often short-term anywhere from 1 to 8 sessions. Your therapist helps you:
Notice What’s Working
Identify what’s already working, even slightly
Picture Your Preferred Future
Explore your preferred future in specific, visual detail
Find the Exceptions
Spot times when you cope well, despite the problem
Use Your Strengths
Build on your strengths and values
Take Small, Strategic Steps
Set small, meaningful steps with accountability
Multilingual Services
SFBT at Aref Psychotherapy
We offer SFBT in individual therapy and also integrate it with other methods (like CBT or ACT) when appropriate. Available in 14+ languages including English, Farsi, French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, and more. Sessions are short, practical, and focused on what’s possible — not what’s broken.
Want to Know If It’s Enough?
Check our FAQ Page to learn how SFBT compares to other therapies, how to prep for your first session, and what short-term therapy really means.
Change Doesn’t Have to Take Forever
Sometimes, all it takes is the right conversation at the right time.