What is Solution Focused Counseling?

Focus on solutions, not problems.

Solution focused brief counseling is a goal-focused counseling technique that assists with problem solving. One of my favorite components of SFBC is scaling. Scaling involves asking a client to rate themselves on a scale of 1-10 for a specific category/skill. An example might be for a therapist to ask their young client to rate themselves on a scale of 1-10 with effort given at school this week. After the client provides an answer, the therapist will celebrate their success, ask what they did to reach this number, and then ask questions about what it would take to achieve a 10% increase on the scale. We would detail what this would look like throughout the week and make a commitment to put the plan into action before the next session. Then, next session we could begin with scaling again and celebrate improvements towards the ultimate goal.

Parents can use solution focused techniques at home to celebrate small steps towards big goals. Notice when progress is made and acknowledge the effort. Encourage your child to imagine themselves achieving the big goal and brainstorm what small steps need to be taken to achieve it. Need help? I specialize in children’s therapy, am located in Fort Myers, FL and would love to work with you!