Chapter 2 – Introduction

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), which is also known as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) was developed by Steve de Shazer (1940-2005), and Insoo Kim Berg (1934-2007) in collaboration with their colleagues at the Milwaukee Brief Family Therapy Center beginning in the late 1970s. As the name suggests, SFBT is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach, which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices, and which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems.

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), which is also known as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) was developed by Steve de Shazer (1940-2005), and Insoo Kim Berg (1934-2007) in collaboration with their colleagues at the Milwaukee Brief Family Therapy Center beginning in the late 1970s. As the name suggests, SFBT is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach, which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices, and which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems.

We will explore evidence based counselling strategies, based in motivational, cognitive and dialectical behavioural techniques and skills, and apply them in practice to promote the well being of individuals.  This will include Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), MI (Motivational Interviewing Skills), Trauma-informed awareness and all the many areas that are used. We will look at how and where this happens which applies to many communities as well as cultural competence.

Counselling can take place in many ways, in an office, online, outdoors, group settings, prison, hospitals, doctors offices, or at home to name a few.  COVID has changed many services and options, as well it is delivered and by who.  This can also be done in person, online, email, zoom support groups, telephone counselling and many other ways as well.  Counselling can also include: Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Biopsychosocial Plus, Support groups, Peer groups and diverse communities.