Solution-Focused Therapy

Term from Mental Health Counseling industry explained for recruiters

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a type of counseling approach that focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Instead of spending a lot of time discussing past issues, therapists help clients identify what's working well and build on their strengths to achieve their goals. It's known for being brief and practical, usually requiring fewer sessions than traditional therapy methods. This approach is similar to other short-term therapy methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Brief therapy. When you see this on a resume, it means the counselor is trained to help clients make positive changes quickly and efficiently.

Examples in Resumes

Provided Solution-Focused Therapy sessions to 20+ clients weekly, achieving positive outcomes within 6-8 sessions

Trained staff members in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy techniques and goal-setting approaches

Applied Solution Focused interventions in crisis counseling situations with demonstrated success

Typical job title: "Solution-Focused Therapists"

Also try searching for:

Mental Health Counselor Licensed Professional Counselor Behavioral Health Therapist Clinical Therapist Brief Therapy Specialist Solution-Focused Practitioner Mental Health Professional

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you train and supervise other therapists in Solution-Focused methods?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience mentoring others, providing case supervision, and teaching specific solution-focused techniques. Should mention ways to help other therapists transition from problem-focused to solution-focused approaches.

Q: How have you adapted Solution-Focused techniques for different populations or settings?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they've modified the approach for various groups (children, families, crisis situations) while maintaining the core principles of solution-focused work.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What techniques do you use to help clients identify their strengths and resources?

Expected Answer: Should describe specific methods like miracle questions, scaling questions, and finding exceptions to problems. Should explain how they help clients recognize their own capabilities.

Q: How do you measure progress in Solution-Focused Therapy?

Expected Answer: Should discuss using scaling questions, goal-setting, and tracking client progress. Should mention how they know when therapy can be concluded.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic principles of Solution-Focused Therapy?

Expected Answer: Should explain focus on solutions rather than problems, client's strengths, and setting achievable goals. Should mention the importance of looking forward rather than backward.

Q: How do you set goals with clients in Solution-Focused Therapy?

Expected Answer: Should describe working with clients to create specific, achievable goals and using scaling questions to track progress. Should mention importance of client-led goal setting.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic solution-focused interviewing skills
  • Goal-setting with clients
  • Use of scaling questions
  • Basic counseling documentation

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced solution-focused techniques
  • Crisis intervention
  • Group therapy facilitation
  • Case management

Senior (5+ years)

  • Clinical supervision
  • Program development
  • Training other therapists
  • Complex case management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Focus solely on problems rather than solutions
  • Unable to explain basic solution-focused techniques
  • No experience with goal-setting or measuring progress
  • Lack of proper counseling licensure or certification