Solution Focused Therapy
What is solution focused therapy?
Solution focused therapy is a post-modern model of psychotherapy that grew out of the work of Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer in the late 1970s. This therapeutic approach views people as inherently strong and resilient, and capable of creating change and discovering solutions to their everyday problems. People are thought to know what they want and need in life and are considered to be experts in their own lives.
How does solution focused therapy work?
Solution focused therapy views problems as normal life-cycle complications that become overwhelming and relentless. Although it‘s important to clarify the problem, solution-focused therapists do not think it is necessary to know what caused the problem in order to find solutions or to make things better.
Solution focused therapists assist you in recognizing what is already working in your life and support you in creating preferred realities for your future through future-oriented conversations and exploring how things can be different. This model of therapy emphasizes the importance of exploring your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and creating realistic and achievable goals that will lead to lasting change in your life.
When is solution focused therapy used?
Solution focused therapy is used to treat a wide variety of mental health concerns including the following:
- Adolescent & teen issues
- Mental health disorders
- Family issues
- Coming out
- Communication disorders
- Cross cultural issues
- Dealing with difficult people
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Developmental disorders
- Behaviour disorders
- Female sexual issues
- Male sexual issues
- Problem gambling
- Out of control shopping
- Personality disorders
- Impulsivity
- Issues related to bullying
- Learning disorders
- Sex compulsion/OCSB
- Sexual offending behaviour
This type of therapy may be used to treat other conditions and concerns in addition to those listed above. It may also be used in conjunction with other treatment methods. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best treatment method for your individual circumstances.
You should be aware that there is no treatment method that is successful for every person. What works for you, may not work for someone else.
What to expect from therapy
Put simply, you will get out of therapy what you put into it. It’s not a magic solution that will solve all your problems. It may involve you doing some real work and being completely honest with yourself and your therapist. Sometimes facing our truth is the hardest thing of all – but from that discomfort can come healing and growth.
Insight’s therapists are available for in-person, online, or telephone counselling at many locations in Alberta. Contact us to learn more.
