The Benefits of Solution-Focused
Therapy in Florida
The Benefits of Solution-Focused Therapy in Florida
Solution-focused therapy may be ideal for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health issues. SFBT can help patients find solutions to their problems so they can overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and improve their lives.
What is Solution-Focused Therapy?
Solution-focused therapy, also referred to as solution-focused brief therapy, allows individuals to focus on their personal strengths and develop sustainable strategies to accomplish goals. This therapy can lead to patients finding resolutions and making positive changes more quickly than with other treatments based on pathology and past life events.
Unlike some forms of therapy, SFBT focuses on the patient’s positive qualities and is short-term and goal-oriented. It aims to help patients resolve problems that affect everyday life.
Understanding the Main Components of Solution-Focused Therapy
Rather than zeroing in on the problems themselves, SFBT places a strong emphasis on discussing solutions. SFBT works to address the present and future, guiding a person toward a path of finding positive, actionable steps. This approach was created by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, who noticed most therapy sessions dedicated time and attention solely to discussing symptoms and problems. In contrast, SFBT reroutes and reframes discussions toward specific solutions. Berg and de Shazer believe the solutions are usually found in the exceptions to a problem: times when the issue isn’t affecting a person. This approach can be effective for addiction treatment.
The three major principles of solution-focused therapy include focusing on solutions rather than problems, identifying exceptions to the problems, and utilizing the individual’s strengths in problem-solving.
SFBT can also include elements of other types of therapy. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing can enhance the effectiveness of SFBT.
CBT complements SFBT by helping people understand how negative thought patterns hold them back. CBT therapists help clients challenge and change these thought patterns so positive behavioral change can become possible. They also reinforce the solutions identified during SFBT sessions, encouraging clients to take new actions to improve their lives.
EMDR is a form of therapy that involves moving the eyes rapidly while thinking about traumatic experiences. The eye movement activates parts of the brain that can help reprocess memories to reduce emotional distress associated with them. Therapists use EMDR alongside SFBT to help clients overcome trauma and focus on solutions. Sometimes, it's necessary to undergo EMDR before patients can put solutions into action.
Solution-Focused Therapy at
Beachway in Florida
Beachway in Florida is a beautiful place to receive treatment for mental health problems or substance use disorders. Located in the heart of the Sunshine State, the center offers luxury amenities in a stunning beachside location. The staff is friendly, caring, and knowledgeable about their work.
At Beachway Florida, we offer SFBT to help individuals overcome their problems and find lasting solutions. Some of the things people can expect from SFBT sessions include:
- Focusing on solutions: In an SFBT session, therapists ask questions rather than suggesting answers. In turn, individuals reflect on problems and brainstorm potential solutions themselves. The therapist also reinforces the individual’s positive qualities, strengths, and ability to solve problems.
- Finding exceptions to problems: Therapists help individuals find exceptions to their problems and identify how those differ from typical experiences. Then, the therapist and patient work together to set goals and execute the solution in a positive, sustainable manner.
- Developing tools to overcome obstacles: SFBT empowers individuals with the tools they need to successfully tackle any obstacles. If a patient is aware of an issue, they can be aware of the exceptions or times when it isn’t a problem.
- Learning about default behaviors: SFBT identifies negative default solutions and problem patterns that determine how a person usually experiences an issue and their coping mechanisms. The solution-focused model is based on positive psychology that counters problem-oriented approaches. Solution-focused therapy encourages clients to think about their default behaviors — in the case of addiction, using drugs or alcohol — and replaces those behaviors with alternative actions.
- Understanding exceptions: People may experience days when they’re able to overcome problems temporarily. For example, substance users have days when they don’t use the substance. A therapist can guide them to identify how they were able to control their substance use on those days.
- Brainstorming new solutions: The therapist pinpoints positive behaviors and works with the patient to brainstorm new approaches to challenges. Ultimately, they develop an action plan and strategy based on the individual’s specific situation.
The Benefits of Our Solution-Based Therapy Program in Florida
SFBT creates rapid, positive changes in a person’s life. Individuals who benefit most from solution-focused therapy are those dealing with addiction, co-occurring disorders, anxiety and depression. It’s best for people who want to take a practical approach to changing their behavior.
Solution-Focused Therapy for Addiction
Solutions to problems may have nothing to do with the actual problem. For example, in treating addiction, addressing life experiences or behaviors unrelated to drinking or using drugs can result in a resolution. The SFBT solution is connected to the root cause of addiction, which depends on the individual and their experiences. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and other emotional issues can lead individuals to cope by abusing substances.
SFBT doesn’t look at problematic behavior in a vacuum — drinking or using substances, for example — but rather the root problem underlying the behavior. A solution is identified by discussing the exceptions to the problem and recognizing an individual’s ability to implement that solution to stop addictive behavior.
For example, if a person drinks alcohol every evening, the therapist may encourage them to think of exceptions to this pattern. Can they recall any evenings when they haven’t drunk alcohol? What was different about those evenings? Can they change their environment or behaviors to make the exceptions occur more often?
Solution-Focused Therapy for Mental Health
Solution-focused therapy can also help people with various mental health issues, which might include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or trauma. These conditions often co-occur with alcohol or substance use.
A therapist might ask someone struggling with anxiety to identify aspects of their lives that make them feel calm, such as when they’re engaged in a favorite hobby or spending time with a particular person. This focus on problem-free areas of life helps people feel hopeful about their situations and may give them the strength to overcome challenges. By focusing on times when they’ve overcome their anxiety, therapists can help people identify how to stay calm in an overwhelming or unfamiliar situation.
Learn More About Solution-Focused
Therapy in Florida
The most important part of recovery from substance abuse or a mental health problem is asking for help. Once you take this first step, you can find a therapist to guide you through solution-based treatment and help you find solutions to your challenges.