"Brief Counseling That Works" - Summary

Solution-focused brief counseling, SFBC, is a model that works well for school counselors. It was developed by psychologist Steve de Shazer, who noticed that when his clients identified exceptions to their problems, they were able to find solutions. This led to a significant shift in focus from problems to solutions. SFBC is a brief and positive approach that avoids deep analysis of problems and instead builds on the strengths of the client.

SFBC is unique from other therapy models taught in counselor education because it is action-oriented and minimizes the need for insight. However, many of the skills used in SFBC are similar to those used in other approaches. By explaining why this new focus is important, clients are more likely to accept it. SFBC has been effective across a wide range of ages and cultures, and its positive nature motivates young people and gives them hope.

There are three main rules in SFBC: don't try to fix what isn't broken by creating new problems, do more of what is already working, and if something isn't working, try a different approach. The key assumptions of SFBC are that focusing on successes leads to solutions, every problem has exceptions, small changes can have big effects, clients know themselves best, and positive goals are more effective than negative ones.

Some additional concepts of SFBC include: focusing on solutions will bring more solutions, avoid analyzing problems and their causes, be efficient with your interventions, focus on the present and future rather than the past, and emphasize actions over insights.

Mental health professionals value SFBC because it speeds up progress and increases hope. After receiving training in SFBC, therapists often feel a renewed sense of excitement and effectiveness. This approach helps to unlock the strengths and resources of the client.

SFBC typically helps students in just 3-5 sessions. Students are often surprised that counselors talk about their strengths instead of just their faults. This encourages them to repeat their successes. SFBC has been shown to improve academics, behavior, and relationships, and studies have confirmed its effectiveness across different settings and cultures.