Is Solutions-Based Therapy (SBT) Right for Me?
We typically think of therapy as a deep-diving healing journey that investigates how the past has shaped the present. But what if therapy was solely focused on the future? That’s the idea that inspired Solutions-Based or Brief Therapy (SBT), an evidence-based approach that can solve practical problems in a handful of sessions. Read on to learn more about this innovative approach and if it’s right for your needs.
Solutions-Based Therapy starts with an examination of the problems that brought the client into the office. The counselor then asks the “Magic Question:” if you woke up tomorrow and all your problems were magically solved, what would be different, or how would you know? Answers might include “I would wake up happy and energized” or “my relationship with my wife would be much improved.” This question helps clarify the outcome the client is trying to achieve. The next step is the hard part: figuring out how that outcome can be realized. A SBT clinician will ask the client about times when they have solved problems in the past and past times when the problem has been alleviated to bring out the client’s strengths and what has worked well before. Then, the therapeutic pair will make a step-by-step plan to solve the issue and check in and re-evaluate as needed.
Besides its narrow focus on the future, SBT is distinguished from other therapeutic modalities by its limited time-frame. Whereas most therapies are ongoing and usually take at least a few months to complete, SBT aims to conclude in less than ten sessions. This is great news for those who do not have insurance coverage or have inadequate coverage because it can maximize benefits gained in therapy while minimizing out of pocket costs. SBT’s brief timeframe has also made it popular in businesses, colleges, and other organizations where human resources staff/counselors only have a short amount of time with an individual. SBT can also be a great option for people who want help with an issue but are uninterested in examining their past or cannot/do not want to commit to long-term therapy.
However, this approach to counseling is not without its drawbacks. Due to its short timeframe and future-focused directive, it is best suited for decisions and moderate problems, not complex mental health diagnoses or trauma. If SBT is all that is available, your counselor will likely be able to help you alleviate some of your symptoms and improve your quality of life somewhat; however, deep-seated issues require more time to unpack, understand, and improve. While SBT certainly has its place in the therapy marketplace, some critics say that it does not value the complexity of the human experience and provides only a band-aid fix. Here at AWC, we think it’s all about selecting the appropriate modality for the presenting concerns. Think SBT is right for you, or do you think a deeper dive is best? Both of these services are provided by experienced counselors here in Shelby Twp, MI. Give us a call today at (248) 413 - 5865 to get started.
References
Lutz, A. (2022, April 21). What is Solution-Focused Therapy · Solution-Focused Therapy Institute. The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy. https://solutionfocused.net/what-is-solution-focused-therapy/
