What type of approach is often used in solution-focused brief therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) primarily utilizes a goal-oriented approach to help clients identify and achieve their desired outcomes. This form of therapy emphasizes establishing specific, achievable goals and working collaboratively with the client to explore solutions rather than delving deeply into problems or past traumas.

The therapist supports the client in recognizing their strengths and resources, facilitating a focus on what is working well in their lives, and encouraging the envisioning of a preferred future. In this way, the therapy is structured around moving forward with intention and purpose, which aligns closely with the goal-oriented framework essential to SFBT.

While other approaches, such as evidence-based practices, do underpin many therapeutic modalities, the hallmark of solution-focused brief therapy is its commitment to identifying and focusing on goals for change, making the goal-oriented approach the most fitting description of its methodology.