7 Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Exercises to do with your clients

Posted by Tim Tarks on March 24th, 2023

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an approach that focuses on the client's current resources, strengths, and solutions rather than their problems. SFBT emphasizes the client's ability to find solutions to their problems by building on their existing strengths and resources.

Here are some SFBT exercises that you can do with your clients:

1. Scaling Questions: Ask your clients to rate their current problem or situation on a scale of 1-10. Then ask them what it would take to move one step higher on the scale. This exercise helps clients to identify what steps they can take to improve their situation.
2. Miracle Question: Ask your clients to imagine that a miracle happens overnight and their problem disappears. Then ask them to describe what their life would look like without the problem. This exercise helps clients to focus on their desired outcome and helps them to identify the steps they need to take to achieve it.
3. Exception Questions: Ask your clients to identify a time when the problem was not present or was less severe. Then ask them to describe what was different about that time. This exercise helps clients to identify their strengths and resources and how they can use them to overcome their problems.
4. Coping Questions: Ask your clients to identify how they have coped with similar situations in the past. Then ask them to describe what worked and what didn't work. This exercise helps clients to identify their coping strategies and to build on their existing strengths.
5. Scaling the Strengths: Ask your clients to rate their current level of strengths on a scale of 1-10, and then ask them what it would take to move one step higher on the scale. This exercise helps clients to identify their strengths and resources and how they can use them to achieve their goals.
6. Goal-Setting: Ask your clients to identify their goals and what steps they need to take to achieve them. This exercise helps clients to focus on their desired outcome and helps them to identify the steps they need to take to achieve it.
7. Compliments: Ask your clients to identify their strengths and positive qualities, and then ask them to compliment themselves. This exercise helps clients to build self-esteem and to focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses.

These SFBT pdf worksheets can be used in therapy sessions to help clients identify their strengths and resources, and to develop solutions to their problems. By focusing on the client's strengths and resources, SFBT can help clients to achieve their goals and to improve their overall well-being.