Use Of Solution-focused Brief Therapy Research Articles

A Clinical Case Study of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Young Adult Cancer Patients’ Psychological Distress: Focusing on Positive Emotions

Psychological distress is highly prevalent among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, an age-defined population (15–39) disproportionately impacted by their cancer diagnosis. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a strength-based and evidence-supported approach for youth with medical conditions. The use of SFBT in young cancer patients, however, has been rarely described. Building on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, this study describes how SFBT clinicians intentionally foster positive emotions, especially hope, in an AYA cancer patient to foster therapeutic change. We found improvements in the patient’s psychological distress as well as growth in levels of hope both in the immediate post-intervention assessment and in the 2-week follow-up. The findings of the study suggested that SFBT is a promising approach to the unique challenges confronting AYAs with cancer. It was not feasible for this case study to match the sex and racial identities for a therapist with the client’s preference, which is considered a main limitation of this study.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Substance Use: A Review of the Literature.

Substance use is a prevalent public health issue. Most social workers may encounter substance use in their work with clients and need effective therapeutic strategies for this issue. Since the 1980s, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) has been practiced with clients who have substance use problems, and clinical training materials have been developed to help practitioners learn and use SFBT in substance use treatment. Despite the longevity of the use of SFBT in practice, there are no published reviews of outcome studies to guide practitioners using SFBT. This article fills a gap in current literature on SFBT and substance use treatment by reviewing the published studies on SFBT where the focus was on substance use treatment. Five databases were searched to identify eligible studies. Experts and reference lists of relevant studies were also consulted. Nine studies were identified and included in the review. All studies reviewed found promising evidence on SFBT's effectiveness in improving substance use behaviors and related psychosocial problems. Five of the nine studies reviewed showed that SFBT can change substance use and comorbid mental health and psychosocial problems such as depression, trauma, and school- and work-related behavior problems. The article concludes with a discussion of the study results' implications for clinical practice and future research.

Supporting Those Holding the Thin Blue Line: Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Law Enforcement Families

Law enforcement officers have one of the most dangerous and demanding careers in the United States (Price in JAMA 35:113–123, 2017). Challenges such as shiftwork, hypervigilance, and anti-police rhetoric can lead to burnout and trauma responses (e.g. Neylan et al., in JAMA 27:1493–1508, 2010). These stressful trials do not only impact the officer, but also their spouses and families (e.g. Alexander & Walker in JAMA 10:131–138 1994; as reported by Bibbins (in:Resse (ed) Psychological Services for Law Enforcement, US Government Printing Office, 1986). Unfortunately, there are minimal suggestions for use of a systemic psychotherapy approach involving the entire family. This article discusses challenges officers and their families frequently face and proposes the use of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for law enforcement families. This article also provides suggestions for altering interventions to increase sensitivity for families and an example dialogue.

Applying a Solution-Focused Approach to Life With Diabetes: Insights Gleaned via Twitter.

The purpose of this study was to explore responses of people with diabetes (PWD) when exposed to a solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) approach. This approach focuses on solutions rather than the problems and what is desired in life rather than what will not occur. Ten SFBT questions were presented for discussion during 1 hour of a Twitter chat on November 14, 2018, during a World Diabetes Day multiple-hour chat. Verbatim transcripts of Twitter data were downloaded from Symplur Signals LLC. Thirty-two participants from 4 countries created 358 tweets, 118 retweets, and 1.5 million impressions. A qualitative content analysis was then completed. Five themes emerged regarding the desired future state: more living life, laughter and humor, self-compassion, resilience, and support. There was an overwhelming sense of burden associated with diabetes yet a global feeling of hope, acceptance, and being "capable" to manage diabetes. Employing SFBT, asking future-directed questions with a focus on solutions and the desired state, generated impactful insights around life with diabetes. Diabetes care and education specialists can incorporate SFBT as a tool to focus diabetes care, education, and support in partnership with PWD. Use of SFBT in diabetes demonstrates potential to strengthen resilience and confidence needed to manage this challenging condition.

Building a solution-focused career counselling strategy for career indecision

The literature contains quite a few theoretical and case study articles with respect to the development and use of solution-focused brief therapy. However, very few of these studies focus on the effects of using solution-focused therapy principles and techniques in career counselling. This study is aimed to examine the effect of a five-session solution-focused brief career counselling on reducing a university student’s career indecision. A university student who had a career indecision problem participated in the research. The career counselling process was assessed by using pre- to post-test result changes of the counselee. In order to measure the career indecision level of the counselee, Career Decision-Making Difficulties Questionnaire was used. The Career Decision-Making Difficulties Questionnaire was administrated before the beginning of the first session and after the termination session as a pre- and post-test. At the end of the five-session solution-focused brief career counselling process, the results demonstrated that the client’s career decision-making difficulty level was reduced. The findings of the study were discussed based on the results of the research in the relevant literature.

The Use of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Chinese Schools: A Qualitative Analysis of Practitioner Perceptions

The Use of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Chinese Schools: A Qualitative Analysis of Practitioner Perceptions

A Theoretical Investigation of Postmodern Approaches Used in Medical Settings

This study attempts to investigate the use of one of the postmodern family therapy theories, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) in the medical setting. Although SFBT is being widely used in medical settings, a thorough theoretical investigation about its suitability to this area has not been presented. In order to discuss the use of SFBT in the expanding practice of medical family therapy (MedFT), the underpinnings of MedFT and SFBT are examined, in addition to the integrative potential of SFBT with the dominant theoretical perspectives guiding MedFT, as well as SFBT’s suitability to the medical setting based on the requirements Doherty and Baird suggested. Challenging features of implementing SFBT in medical settings are noted, along with relevant suggestions to resolve these obstacles.

The Magic Wand Question and Recovery-Focused Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

This paper uses a case study to describe the implementation of the Magic Wand Question (MWQ), also known as the miracle question, in a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) in Scotland. The MWQ, a common intervention, is based on a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach. This intervention was undertaken by a third year student nurse with the intention of demonstrating how practice can be more closely aligned to a recovery-focused, strengths-based approach, which is in line with national policy. SFBT has a growing evidence base for use with children and young people. However, there are still some common uncertainties about its use; therefore, a literature review has been undertaken to further explore the evidence base for the use of SFBT, with a focus on the MWQ. Furthermore, an exploration of the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the effectiveness of the MWQ is provided with a 15-year-old girl experiencing symptoms of low mood. Although limitations have been identified, giving careful consideration to posing the MWQ, through detailed planning prior to implementation, led to an increased understanding of factors supporting the use of the MWQ and reduced any uncertainty around when to use the MWQ in practice. In this clinical intervention, with a 15-year-old girl experiencing symptoms of low mood, the use of the MWQ was successful. The effectiveness of any treatment is best judged by the individual receiving care, and positive results have been achieved in this case study. Use of this approach ensured professionals were looking beyond diagnosis, illness, and problems in line with the principles of recovery-focused practice (Scottish Recovery Network [SRN] and NHS Education for Scotland [NES], 2007). The use of the MWQ in this case enhanced the knowledge of evidence-based practices, in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC, ) and improved overall outcomes for individuals receiving care.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy With Substance-Using Individuals

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) intervention on substance abuse and trauma-related problems. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of SFBT in primary substance use treatment services for child welfare involved parents in outpatient treatment for substance use disorders. Mixed linear models were used to test within- and between-group changes using intent-to-treat analysis ( N = 64). Hedges’s g effect sizes were also calculated to examine magnitude of treatment effects. Results: Both groups decreased on the Addiction Severity Index-Self-Report and the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40. The between group effect sizes were not statistically significant on either measures, thus SFBT produced similar results as the research supported treatments the control group received. Conclusion: Results support the use of SFBT in treating substance use and trauma and provide an alternative approach that is more strengths based and less problem focused.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in China: A Meta-Analysis

The primary aim of this study was to assess the overall effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) among Chinese populations with mental and behavioral health issues. A random effects meta-analysis of nine eligible studies was conducted on SFBT outcomes in China. SFBT was effective in reducing internalizing problems, with effect sizes ranging from g = 0.49 to 3.22. Results from pooled effect size estimates favoring SFBT (g = 1.26) were large. These results highlight the positive impact SFBT has on Chinese clients with mental health-related problems. Implications for the use of SFBT among ethnic minority populations are discussed.

The practice of solution-focused brief therapy in mainland China.

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a strengths-based approach that was developed by American social workers and a team of interdisciplinary colleagues in the early 1980s. This article provides a review of SFBT in mainland China, showing the cross-cultural and transdisciplinary use of SFBT by diverse professionals within China. In particular, this article discusses how SFBT has spread from the United States to China and how the practice of SFBT has grown in mainland China. This is the first article in English to review the Chinese literature and further summarize the use of SFBT in mental health and health care fields within China. Practice implications for the future use of SFBT with Chinese people are also discussed.

Using SFBT in Hong Kong: Initiatives From Hong Kong Master of Counselling Psychology Students and Implications for Cultural Contexts in Australia*

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a therapeutic approach which was devel­oped primarily based on Western culture, beliefs and ideals. Six Master of Counsel­ ling Psychology students in Hong Kong participated in a clinical practicum for one semester during which they had the opportunity to apply the principles of SFBT with Chinese clients. The paper commences with an overview of the development of SFBT and counseling in Hong Kong, followed by the cultural context consider­ actions. Three case examples, in addition to the learnings, cultural challenges and experiences from the student counsellors are provided. The implications for the use of SFBT in the Australian cultural context are briefly discussed.

Brief Report: Effects of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Group-Work on Promoting Post-traumatic Growth of Mothers Who Have a Child with ASD

The study evaluated the impact of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) group-work on the post-traumatic growth (PTG) of mothers who have a child with ASD. A quasi-experimental design was used in which 43 mothers participated. 18 mothers in 2 SFBT groups (n=9 in each group) received a 6-session SFBT group therapy while 25 mothers in a control group received no treatment. The Post-traumatic Growth Inventory was used to measure the PTG levels of the participants at baseline, post-treatment and 6-month follow-up assessments. Mothers who attended SFBT group-work reported higher PTG scores both at post-treatment (t=4.065, p=.001) and 6-month follow-up (t=2.980, p=.006) assessments. Further investigations to prove whether SFBT in groups can increase the positivity of clients would promote the use of SFBT.

Use of solution-focused brief therapy to enhance therapeutic communication in patients with COPD

Steve Smith and Pamela Kirkpatrick put the case for a patient-centred framework for safe, effective care

Practitioner Review: The effectiveness of solution focused brief therapy with children and families: a systematic and critical evaluation of the literature from 1990–2010

Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a strengths-based therapeutic approach, emphasizing the resources that people possess and how these can be applied to a positive change process. The current study provides a systematic review of the SFBT evidence base and a critical evaluation of the use and application of SFBT in clinical practice with children and families. Between 21 December 2010 and 12 May 2011 forty-four database searches (including, PsychInfo, ISI Web of Knowledge, ASSIA, British Education Index, Medline and Scopus), web searches and consultation with experts in the field were used to identify reports of SFBT studies published between 1990 and 2010. Studies were then screened according to trialled qualitative and quantitative assessment frameworks and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 38 studies were included in the review. Of these, 9 applied SFBT to internalizing child behaviour problems, 3 applied SFBT to both internalizing and externalizing child behaviour problems, 15 applied the approach to externalizing child behaviour problems and 9 evaluated the application of SFBT in relation to a range of other issues. Although much of the literature has methodological weaknesses, existing research does provide tentative support for the use of SFBT, particularly in relation to internalizing and externalizing child behaviour problems. SFBT appears particularly effective as an early intervention when presenting problems are not severe. Further well-controlled outcome studies are needed. Studies included in the review highlight promising avenues for further research.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Criminal Offending: A Family Conference Tool for Work in Restorative Justice

The use of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) with restorative justice is an important advancement for the criminal justice field. Together, SFBT and restorative justice may be viewed as a model of practice aimed at assisting people who have offended to set goals towards their desired futures while reconciling with their loved ones. This paper outlines the growth of SFBT in criminal justice along with some commonalities to restorative justice work. As an example of this progress, a case illustration is highlighted through the use of a family conference tool borrowed from child welfare.

Solution-focused brief therapy with families

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is an evidenced-based, collaborative, strengths-based model developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg and is now in use as an organizing treatment approach all over the world. This article examines the use of SFBT in family therapy. The history of SFBT, the major tenets as applied to family therapy, and the research in SFBT and SFBT for families are discussed.

Integrative Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with a Chinese Female College Student Dealing with Relationship Loss

Through case presentation, this article illustrates the integration of person-centered skills and guided imagery into Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with a Chinese female college student who was experiencing emotional distress due to relationship loss. Transcripts from select portions of actual counseling sessions further demonstrate the use of SFBT in a cross-cultural setting. The basic tenets, stages of solution building, and specific skills and techniques used in SFBT are examined in this context. The authors also discuss the support for and consequences of attending to emotions and incorporation of techniques from other therapeutic traditions within SFBT.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for the Treatment of Sexual Disorders

The purpose of this article is to describe the use of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) as an approach to sex therapy. SFBT has been used to treat most clinical problems and populations, but until now has not been offered as an approach to sexual problems. This article describes SFBT and discusses its applications to sex therapy. A case example is included.

The Use of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy With Older Adults in Mexico: A Preliminary Study

This preliminary study investigated the use of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with older adults in Mexico. The three session SFBT treatment focused on a self-defined problem, such as relationship issues or psychological well-being. Compared with a waiting list control group, the treatment group showed significant posttest improvements as indicated by the Outcome Questionnaire, the participant and an independent assessor. There was a significant difference between groups on participants' perception of goal achievement and in pre-post change during therapy on the Outcome Questionnaire. This study provides preliminary tentative support for the use of SFBT with the geriatric population in Mexico.