FOY Wellness and Recovery is a licensed PHP and IOP program in Agoura Hills, California. Our clinical program is developed and overseen by Clinical Program Director Dr. Shannon Dobbs, a licensed clinical psychologist. SFBT is offered for clients who benefit from a practical, goal-oriented therapeutic approach.
What Is Solutions Focused Brief Therapy?
Solutions Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, is a future-oriented, goal-focused approach that emphasizes identifying and building on existing strengths and past successes rather than extensively analyzing problems. SFBT is designed to be efficient, focusing conversation on what a client wants their life to look like and the concrete steps that move toward that vision.
How SFBT Works
SFBT uses specific techniques, such as the “miracle question,” which asks a client to describe in detail what life would look like if their problem were suddenly resolved, to clarify goals and identify small, concrete, achievable steps toward that vision, drawing on times the client has already partially succeeded.
SFBT at FOY
SFBT principles are integrated into individual sessions, particularly useful for clients who want a practical, forward-focused approach or who feel overwhelmed by extensive discussion of past problems.
Who Benefits From SFBT
- Clients seeking concrete, practical goal-setting
- Clients who feel discouraged by problem-focused approaches
- Clients in earlier stages of treatment who benefit from quick wins and momentum
- Clients balancing treatment with work or school who want efficient, focused sessions
What to Expect
Sessions focus on clarifying specific, concrete goals and identifying small, achievable steps, often referencing times you’ve already partially succeeded at what you’re working toward.
FAQs
What is the “miracle question” in SFBT?
A technique asking clients to describe in detail what their life would look like if their problem were suddenly resolved, used to clarify goals and direction.
Is SFBT less thorough than other therapies since it’s “brief”?
No, SFBT is a distinct, structured approach focused on goals and strengths rather than an abbreviated version of another therapy; “brief” refers to its efficient, focused structure.
Will my therapist ask about my past in SFBT?
SFBT focuses primarily on the present and future, though past successes are specifically used as evidence of existing strengths and capability.
Is SFBT evidence-based?
SFBT has a growing evidence base, particularly for its efficiency and effectiveness in goal-focused, shorter-term treatment contexts.
Is SFBT appropriate for substance use treatment?
Yes, SFBT’s goal-oriented, strengths-based approach is used in addiction treatment settings, often alongside other modalities addressing underlying patterns.
How is SFBT different from CBT?
CBT focuses specifically on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns; SFBT focuses more broadly on goals, strengths, and concrete next steps, without necessarily analyzing thought patterns in detail.
Will I set specific goals in SFBT sessions?
Yes, goal clarification is a core part of the SFBT process from early sessions onward.
Is SFBT combined with other therapies at FOY?
Yes, it is often integrated alongside other modalities depending on individual clinical need.
Is SFBT covered by insurance?
It is delivered as part of FOY’s PHP and IOP clinical programming, billed as a level of care. Contact our admissions team about your specific plan.
Take the First Step
Call (805) 659-8429 or visit foywellnessandrecovery.com/contact for a free confidential assessment. We are in-network with Blue Shield, Cigna, and TRICARE through TriWest, and accept most other major PPO plans, including Anthem, Aetna, Multiplan, HMC HealthWorks, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, on an out-of-network basis.