Solution-Focused counseling is a form of therapy that focuses on solutions instead of on problems. Counselors do this by helping their clients identify what’s bothering them.

 

For example, a child might say, “I have trouble making friends.” He and his therapist or counselor then work together to set a goal. This might be, “I want to have a group of friends to hang out with.” The counselor then helps him identify a series of steps that can make this goal a reality. One step in this case could be, “I want to introduce myself to three people this week.”

 

An important part of solution-focused counseling is helping the client identify what has and hasn’t worked in the past when dealing with a particular challenge. The helper then encourages the client to do more of “what works” as he moves toward his goal.

 

 

How is solution-focused counseling different from traditional therapy?

 

In traditional therapy, clients typically explore their past so they can better understand their present problems. Solution-focused counseling focuses on what’s happening now. It helps clients come up with solutions that can make life better in the future.

 

In solution-focused counseling clients work together with their counselor, instead of relying on the counselor as the expert. Solution-focused counseling is “brief” as compared to traditional long-term counseling. Research shows that solution-focused counseling can bring positive results after an average of three to five sessions. Traditional long-term therapy can continue for months or years.

 

 

What are the benefits of solution-focused counseling?

 

Solution-focused counseling actively works toward solutions. It helps clients identify what they do well. It then encourages them to use their strengths to reach their goals. Because Solution-focused counseling is goal-oriented and short-term, it can be less costly and less time-consuming than long-term therapy.