What is Solution Focused Therapy? (The Pros and Cons)
You want to start therapy in order to get help with the problems you’re facing - but you’re tired of going over the same long story every time you see a new therapist.
It can feel like therapy focuses more on your problems than coming up with a way to solve them - but solutions focused therapy can be a great way to find the answers you’ve been looking for.
Here at KMA Therapy, we know you want to feel empowered when walking into your first therapy session. Therapy is a huge commitment of your energy, time, and money, so you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of what you’re investing.
We’re here to help you learn everything you need to know about the therapy process, including what types of therapy are interesting to you.
After reading this article, you’ll know what solution focused therapy is, how it works, the pros and cons, and how to know if it could be the right choice for you.
What is Solution Focused Therapy?
Solution focused therapy is a type of therapy that emphasizes setting goals, looking toward the future, and finding solutions to problems rather than dwelling on the cause.
Based on positive psychology principles, solution focused therapy is designed to help you feel optimistic and hopeful during the therapy process.
It focuses on helping you foster feelings of motivation and empowerment, while helping you create meaningful change in your life.
Solution focused therapy is often used for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-esteem issues
- Navigating relationship issues
- Coping with difficult life changes
What Happens During Solution Focused Therapy?
During solution focused therapy, your therapist will help you identify what your goals are. Your goals may be related to what you want to achieve in therapy, as well as what you hope to achieve in your life overall.
After creating a list of goals you’d like to work toward, your therapist will help you envision how these goals will create positive changes in your life.
Your therapist will help you reflect on times in your life when you’ve successfully solved problems, and help you identify the tools and coping skills you’ve already used.
However, most of your conversations will be directed on achieving what you want in the future, doing more of what’s working, and finding new solutions to problems you’re struggling with.
Solutions focused therapy can often be a shorter-term form of therapy, with solutions focused brief therapy often completed in between five and eight sessions.
What are the Pros of Solution Focused Therapy?
Solutions focused therapy is a motivating form of therapy that can help you see meaningful change quickly.
Solution focused therapy may be a great fit if:
- You want to find solutions to problems rather than focus on their cause
- You want to boost your sense of self-esteem and confidence
- You’re looking for a short-term form of therapy
What are the Cons of Solution Focused Therapy?
While its emphasis on solving problems can be great for some people, solution focused therapy may not be the right choice if you’re interested in learning more about why problems are occurring.
Solution focused therapy may not be the right choice if:
- You want to explore how past experiences are impacting your current life
- You’re looking for the freedom to discuss a wide range of experiences during therapy
- You prefer to discuss or verbally process problem you’ve experiences and their causes
Alternative Forms of Therapy to Explore
After learning about the pros and cons of solutions focused therapy, you may be interested in exploring alternatives.
Alternatives to solutions focused therapy include:
These types of therapy can help you explore solutions to your problems, while allowing for more in-depth exploration of your past, what you want in life, and your sense of self.
Next Steps for Beginning Therapy
After reading this article, you know what solutions focused therapy is and how to know if it could be the right choice for you.
Here at KMA Therapy, we’re passionate about helping you find the best therapy solution for the problems you’re facing. For over 15 years, we’ve matched our clients with the best therapist for them and created customized therapy plans to help them succeed.
Learn more by filling out our Registration form, or reach out to our team if you have any questions.
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