What the Modality is

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a short-term, goal-oriented approach that focuses on building solutions rather than analyzing problems. It’s based on the idea that clients already have the strengths and resources they need to create change. Instead of exploring the past in depth, SFT helps clients imagine their preferred future and identify small, practical steps to get there.

How it Works in Therapy

In SFT sessions, therapists collaborate with clients to:

• Clarify goals early in treatment
• Use scaling questions (e.g., “On a scale from 1 to 10…”) to track progress and motivation
• Explore exceptions—times when the problem was less intense or absent
• Highlight strengths and successes
• Assign brief tasks or experiments between sessions to build on what’s already working

Therapy is typically brief and highly focused, with an emphasis on what the client wants to achieve and how they can move toward it.

Why It’s Helpful

SFT is especially useful for:

• Short-term therapy needs
• Motivated clients who want to focus on goals
• Anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions

It supports healing by empowering clients to recognize their own capabilities, build confidence, and take action. Because it’s future-focused and strengths-based, many clients find it energizing and hopeful.