Why Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Works in Online Settings

In an increasingly digital world, therapy has evolved to meet people where they are—often online. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a popular choice for those seeking goal-oriented, short-term therapeutic support, and it’s especially effective in online settings. Rooted in positive psychology, SFBT focuses on the present and future, helping clients envision solutions rather than dwelling on past problems. In this article, we’ll explore what makes SFBT so effective and how online sessions enhance its impact, offering flexibility, convenience, and results-driven support.

Understanding Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, created in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, is a unique therapeutic approach that emphasizes finding solutions rather than analyzing problems. Traditional therapeutic models often involve in-depth exploration of past experiences, but SFBT primarily aims to identify goals and implement strategies for positive change quickly. SFBT generally requires fewer sessions compared to other therapeutic approaches, with clients often seeing significant progress in as few as five to eight sessions. This makes it ideal for people seeking quick, tangible results.

Why SFBT and Online Therapy Are a Perfect Match

1. Time Efficiency and Convenience

Online therapy platforms align perfectly with SFBT’s goal of delivering fast, targeted results. Many clients today are balancing busy lives, including work, family, and other commitments. The option to log in from home or the office provides convenience that’s invaluable for time-strapped clients. Sessions are often conducted through video calls, allowing clients to fit therapy into their schedule without needing to account for travel time.

The online format also allows clients to choose session times that work best for them, contributing to greater consistency and better outcomes.

2. Focused, Solution-Oriented Sessions

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is built around short, focused sessions. Each SFBT session revolves around setting and achieving specific, achievable goals, which makes it ideal for the often time-limited nature of online therapy. With online therapy, sessions are usually around 45 to 50 minutes, which is a good fit for SFBT’s solution-driven framework.

Each session has a clear agenda, so the therapist and client dive straight into goal-oriented discussions without prolonged introspection, matching well with today’s digital attention spans.

3. Enhanced Focus on Goals and Progress Tracking

In SFBT, setting goals and measuring progress is key. Online platforms can make this process even easier. Many online therapy providers offer digital tools for tracking progress, where clients can check off milestones, review notes from previous sessions, and keep tabs on their goals. This digital record helps clients stay engaged in the process and see concrete evidence of their progress, which can be incredibly motivating.

4. Flexibility for Problem-Solving in Real-Time

The flexibility of online SFBT sessions also allows clients to participate from locations relevant to the issues they are tackling. For instance, a client facing work-related stress can join a session during a break at work, discussing strategies in the very environment where they experience challenges. This flexibility allows clients to immediately implement SFBT techniques in their daily lives, reinforcing their problem-solving skills in real-time.

This is particularly beneficial when SFBT’s focus is on developing practical solutions and applying them immediately. Being able to seamlessly transition from a session to real-life situations is a major advantage in the online setting.

5. Greater Accessibility and Comfort

One of the primary benefits of online therapy, including SFBT, is accessibility. This is particularly crucial for clients in remote or rural areas where traditional in-person therapy options may be limited. Online SFBT opens the doors to clients who may not otherwise have access to therapy, helping to bridge gaps in mental health care.

Additionally, the online setting allows clients to engage in therapy from the comfort of their own space, which can lead to increased openness and comfort in sharing. This familiarity can make clients feel more at ease, which is essential in short-term therapies like SFBT where every session counts.

6. Feedback and Goal Refinement

SFBT emphasizes building on the client’s strengths and capabilities, and online settings enable therapists to provide real-time feedback effectively. The therapist’s role is to guide the client towards recognizing their achievements and building on them. With online sessions, this feedback can be especially impactful, allowing clients to receive immediate encouragement, guidance, and validation from their therapist.

Since online therapy platforms often allow clients to revisit notes and feedback after each session, this process becomes even more engaging. Instant access to their therapist’s insights and encouragement helps clients sustain motivation between sessions.

The Benefits of SFBT for Specific Issues in Online Therapy

SFBT’s focus on solutions over problems makes it effective for various issues, particularly when conducted online. Here are a few examples of common issues where SFBT can be beneficial:

• Anxiety and Stress: SFBT encourages clients to set manageable goals to reduce anxiety and stress, allowing them to focus on small, achievable changes.

• Career Challenges: Many clients seek SFBT to navigate work-related stress. The online setting allows them to tackle these issues during work breaks, making it easy to integrate solutions immediately.

• Relationship Issues: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is also useful for couples therapy, where partners work on specific goals to improve communication and trust. Online sessions allow couples to engage in therapy from the comfort of home, creating a safe, private environment.

How to Get Started with Online Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

If you’re interested in trying SFBT online, there are a few steps to get started:

1. Research Reputable Online Therapists: Make sure the therapist specializes in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and is experienced in providing goal-oriented online sessions.

2. Identify Your Goals: Take time to consider what you’d like to achieve from therapy. Clear goals will help you and your therapist work efficiently.

3. Establish a Routine: Consistency is key to SFBT’s success. Try to schedule your sessions at regular intervals, and use digital tools to track your progress.

4. Engage Fully in the Process: Take advantage of the flexibility of online therapy. Try attending sessions from various environments relevant to your goals.

Why SFBT in an Online Setting Works

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is highly compatible with the online therapy model, with studies confirming that it is equally effective whether offered in-person or online (Novella & Samuolis, 2022). By combining the benefits of digital convenience, immediate accessibility, and a goal-oriented approach, SFBT offers a powerful tool for individuals seeking fast, effective results. Online SFBT allows clients to tackle challenges with minimal disruption to their daily routines, making it one of the most practical and impactful forms of therapy for modern life.

Whether you’re facing stress, anxiety, or relationship challenges, SFBT online can offer the focused, solution-oriented support you need to move forward effectively.

References

De Shazer, S., Dolan, Y., Korman, H., Trepper, T., McCollum, E., & Berg, I. K. (2021). More than miracles: The state of the art of solution-focused brief therapy. Routledge.

Novella, J. K., Ng, K. M., & Samuolis, J. (2022). A comparison of online and in-person counseling outcomes using solution-focused brief therapy for college students with anxiety. Journal of American College Health, 70(4), 1161-1168.