> Solution-Focused Therapy

Goal-Oriented, Evidence-Based Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy

Also Known as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

What if therapy focused on your strengths and your future — rather than analysing your past? Solution-Focused Therapy is a practical, goal-oriented approach that helps you identify what is already working in your life and build on it to create meaningful, lasting change. Available at our Sippy Downs and Maroochydore clinics, and via Telehealth.

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About This Therapy

What is Solution-Focused Therapy?

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), also known as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), is a short-term, goal-oriented, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy. Rather than spending extensive time exploring the origins of problems, SFT focuses on what you want your life to look like — and on identifying the strengths, skills, and resources you already have to get there.

Developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, SFT is grounded in the belief that clients are the experts on their own lives. The therapist's role is to ask the right questions to help you discover your own solutions — not to tell you what to do.

SFT is particularly effective when you have a clear goal in mind, are motivated to change, or prefer a practical, forward-focused approach over lengthy exploration of the past.

Short-Term Typically 4–8 sessions — one of the most time-efficient evidence-based therapies available

Strengths-Based Focuses on what you are already doing well and builds from there

Goal-Oriented Every session is focused on moving you toward your specific, chosen goals

Client-Led You define what success looks like — the therapist helps you find the path

Medicare Rebates Available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan — ask us about eligibility

Telehealth Available Sessions available in-clinic at Sippy Downs and Maroochydore, or via secure video call

The Process

How Solution-Focused Therapy Works

Each SFT session is structured to help you clarify your goals, identify exceptions to the problem, and build practical steps toward the life you want.

Define Your Goal

Your psychologist helps you articulate a clear, specific, and achievable goal — what you want your life to look like when things are better.

Explore Exceptions

Together you identify times when the problem is less present or absent entirely — what is different about those times? What are you doing that works?

Scale Your Progress

Scaling questions (e.g. "On a scale of 0–10, where are you now?") help track progress and identify what small steps would move you forward.

Identify Strengths

Your psychologist helps you recognise the skills, resources, and support networks you already have — and how to use them more effectively.

Build Small Steps

Rather than overwhelming change, SFT focuses on small, manageable steps that create momentum and build confidence.

Review & Consolidate

Progress is reviewed each session. When your goals are achieved, therapy concludes — there is no unnecessary prolonging of the process.

Therapeutic Tools

Key Techniques Used in SFT

Solution-Focused Therapy uses a distinctive set of techniques that are designed to shift your focus from problems to possibilities.

The Miracle Question

You are asked to imagine that overnight a miracle occurred and your problem was solved. What would be different? How would you know? This helps clarify your goals and what a better future looks like.

Scaling Questions

Rating where you are on a scale of 0 to 10 helps you track progress, identify what is already working, and clarify what a small step forward would look like.

Exception Finding

Exploring times when the problem is less severe or absent helps identify what you are already doing that works — and how to do more of it.

Coping Questions

When things feel overwhelming, coping questions help you recognise the resilience and strength you are already showing — even when it does not feel like it.

Compliments & Affirmations

Your psychologist actively acknowledges your strengths, efforts, and progress — reinforcing a positive, growth-oriented perspective.

Between-Session Tasks

Small, practical tasks between sessions help you notice exceptions, test new behaviours, and build momentum toward your goals.

Why SFT

Benefits of Solution-Focused Therapy

TIME

Time-Efficient

SFT typically requires fewer sessions than other therapy models — making it a practical option for people who want effective support without an open-ended commitment.

HOPE

Builds Hope & Optimism

By focusing on solutions and strengths rather than problems and deficits, SFT naturally cultivates a more hopeful, forward-looking mindset.

POWER

Empowers You

SFT treats you as the expert on your own life. You are actively involved in defining your goals and finding your own solutions — building lasting confidence and self-efficacy.

GOAL

Tangible Progress

The goal-oriented structure means you can see and measure your progress from session to session — keeping you motivated and engaged throughout the process.

What SFT Can Help With

Presentations SFT Can Address

SFT is effective for a wide range of challenges. Click any area to learn more.

Anxiety Depression Relationship Difficulties Stress & Burnout Life Transitions Work & Career Challenges Parenting Challenges Self-Esteem Grief & Loss Goal Setting Adolescent Challenges Adjustment Difficulties

Who We Help

Who is Solution-Focused Therapy For?

Adults

SFT is particularly well-suited to adults navigating life transitions, work stress, relationship challenges, or who want a practical, time-limited approach to improving their wellbeing.

Children & Adolescents

The strengths-based, non-pathologising nature of SFT makes it particularly effective with young people. It builds confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills in an engaging way.

Couples

SFT can be highly effective in couples therapy, helping partners identify what is already working in their relationship and build toward a shared vision of the future they want together.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About SFT

Is Solution-Focused Therapy right for me if I have serious mental health concerns? +

SFT can be effective for a wide range of presentations, including anxiety and depression. However, for complex trauma, severe mental health conditions, or deep-seated patterns, it is often used in combination with other approaches such as CBT, Schema Therapy, or EMDR. Your psychologist will recommend the approach that best suits your individual needs.

How many sessions will I need? +

SFT is designed to be brief — typically 4 to 8 sessions for most presentations. Some clients achieve their goals in fewer sessions; others with more complex needs may benefit from a longer course. Your psychologist will discuss a recommended plan with you at your initial appointment.

Does SFT ignore the past entirely? +

Not entirely — but it does not dwell on the past. SFT acknowledges that past experiences have shaped who you are, but focuses primarily on your present strengths and your desired future. If past trauma is significantly impacting your life, your psychologist may recommend integrating EMDR or Schema Therapy alongside SFT.

Is SFT covered by Medicare? +

Yes — SFT sessions delivered by a registered psychologist are eligible for Medicare rebates under a GP Mental Health Care Plan (up to 10 sessions per calendar year). NDIS and DVA funding may also be available depending on your circumstances. Contact our admin team to discuss your options.

Is SFT available via Telehealth? +

Yes — SFT is well-suited to Telehealth delivery. Sessions are available via secure video call with Medicare rebates applying to eligible sessions. Many clients find Telehealth a convenient and effective option.

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