Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Focusing on Solutions and Strengths

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-directed, future-focused therapeutic approach that emphasizes solutions rather than problems. Developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, SFBT is designed to be time-efficient, empowering clients to leverage their strengths and resources to achieve meaningful change. Unlike traditional therapies that explore the origins of problems, SFBT focuses on what is working, what the client wants to achieve, and actionable steps toward that outcome.

Core Principles of SFBT

SFBT is guided by several foundational principles that distinguish it from other forms of therapy:

Future-Focused: Concentrates on desired outcomes rather than past problems.
Client Strengths: Emphasizes the client's resources, skills, and previous successes as tools for change.
Goal-Oriented: Therapy is structured around clear, measurable goals that the client wishes to achieve.
Solution Emphasis: Focuses on solutions and practical steps, avoiding over-analysis of problems.
Time-Efficient: Typically conducted over a short period, with sessions tailored to produce rapid, meaningful results.
Collaborative Approach: Therapist and client work together to identify solutions and strategies for achieving goals.

Techniques Used in SFBT

Several techniques are central to the practice of SFBT, facilitating a focus on solutions and progress:

The Miracle Question: Clients are asked to imagine a future where their problem is resolved and describe what would be different. This helps clarify goals and identify practical steps.
Scaling Questions: Clients rate their progress or confidence on a scale, providing insight into their perception of change and highlighting small improvements.
Exception Finding: Identifies times when the problem did not occur or was less severe, highlighting strategies and behaviors that can be repeated.
Goal-Setting: Focuses on concrete, achievable objectives, breaking larger goals into actionable steps.
Compliments and Affirmations: Therapist reinforces client strengths, resilience, and progress to foster confidence and motivation.
Task Assignments: Clients are given practical tasks or experiments to try between sessions to promote solution-focused behaviors.

Applications of SFBT

SFBT is highly adaptable and has been applied across a wide range of populations and mental health conditions:

Depression and Anxiety: Helps clients identify coping strategies, set goals, and build confidence to manage symptoms.
Relationship and Family Issues: Supports individuals and families in focusing on solutions to conflicts and improving communication.
Substance Use and Recovery: Encourages goal setting and reinforcement of past successes to support recovery.
Career and Educational Challenges: Assists clients in overcoming obstacles, setting career or academic goals, and developing actionable plans.
Life Transitions: Supports individuals navigating changes such as relocation, parenthood, or retirement by focusing on actionable solutions and adaptation strategies.

Benefits of SFBT

Clients engaging in SFBT experience a variety of psychological, emotional, and practical benefits:

Rapid Results: Short-term, solution-focused approach often produces noticeable improvements quickly.
Empowerment: Emphasizes clients' strengths and resources, fostering self-confidence and autonomy.
Goal Clarity: Helps clients articulate desired outcomes and concrete steps to achieve them.
Positive Focus: Encourages attention to what works, increasing motivation and hope.
Adaptability: Applicable across a wide range of challenges, from mental health issues to practical life problems.
Improved Problem-Solving: Clients learn to generate practical solutions and apply them effectively.
Short-Term Commitment: Efficient approach suitable for individuals seeking therapy with limited time or resources.

Client Experience

Clients participating in SFBT often report:

Collaborative Process: Therapist and client work together as a team, promoting active engagement and ownership of change.
Increased Motivation: Emphasis on achievable goals and visible progress encourages sustained effort.
Confidence Building: Recognizing and leveraging existing strengths increases self-efficacy.
Practical Skills: Clients acquire tools to identify solutions and implement strategies in real-life situations.
Positive Perspective: Focus on solutions rather than problems cultivates optimism and resilience.
Efficient Therapy: Achieves meaningful change without extended long-term sessions, making it accessible and cost-effective.

References

de Shazer, S. (1985). "Keys to Solution in Brief Therapy." W. W. Norton & Company.
Berg, I. K., & Steiner, T. (2003). "Children & Families: Solutions in Brief Therapy." W. W. Norton & Company.
Franklin, C., Trepper, T., Gingerich, W., & McCollum, E. (2012). "Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: A Handbook of Evidence-Based Practice." Oxford University Press.
Kim, J. S., Smock, S. A., & Trepper, T. S. (2010). "Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Its Effective Use in Practice." Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 40(2), 87-96.
American Psychological Association. (2023). "Solution-Focused Therapy." https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/solution-focused-brief-therapy

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Aziza C.

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“Aitherapy makes it easy to talk about things the moment they come up instead of waiting for my next therapy appointment. It’s nice to have a place to vent or talk through the challenges I’m going through as they happen.”

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“Aitherapy is very helpful without being judgmental. The answers and suggestions are timely and appropriate. It’s easier to be more open in this format.”

Thomas T.

“This is one of the best AI therapy apps out there. It's so intuitive, sensitive and affirming! It really gives helpful detailed feedback and asks questions that really help process whatever you are going through.”

Tim P.

“I have been using Aitherapy for about 3 months and it has been very helpful and supportive. I like the approach used, I don't get told 'this the issue and this is what you must do'. It's more like asking me questions and what I think about something that I have said, which has helped me to see a number of things in a way I did not see them before.”

StarSeed

“I've used other tech-enabled therapy tools, and I find myself trusting Aitherapy a whole lot more. It doesn't compromise the integrity of the therapy work at the altar of keeping a captive audience by constantly validating one's viewpoint.”

Kartick S.

“This service really helped me when my therapist was on break for a month. I was really struggling and it got me through. I think it also let me reflect on some things so that, when I came back, I was ready to tackle material I wasn’t able to before.”

“I absolutely love AI Therapy! I’ve done a lot of work in therapy and usually feel pretty good. However, it’s those unexpected emotional triggers that can sneak up on you and catch you off guard. In the past, I would have to ride out the emotional storm and try to process everything on my own. AI Therapy has been a game-changer for me. it was there when I needed it most.”

Laura H.

“AI Therapy was there when I couldn't find anyone else. I couldn't afford other online therapy options and they also didn't accept my insurance. I looked locally but never heard back. After a month of searching, I typed ‘Can AI be my therapist?’ into Google and found Aitherapy. I've been using it ever since. The advice is impeccable, the cost is affordable, and it's there for me 24/7.”

Elicia H.

FAQ

AI therapy is a type of mental health support powered by artificial intelligence. At Aitherapy, we use advanced AI models trained on evidence-based therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to simulate meaningful, supportive conversations, similar to those you’d have with a licensed therapist. Unlike traditional therapy, AI therapy is available on demand, doesn’t require scheduling, and offers consistent, judgment-free support. Whether you're dealing with stress, overthinking, anxiety, or simply need to vent, AI therapy provides accessible, affordable help anytime you need it.

AI therapy can help you process your thoughts, manage difficult emotions, and feel less alone, especially during moments when speaking to a human isn't possible or practical. It gives you a private, safe space to express yourself freely, without pressure or fear of judgment. While it’s not a full replacement for a licensed therapist, it can help you build emotional awareness, learn coping strategies, and reduce mental health symptoms like anxiety, stress, or low mood. Many people find AI therapy to be a valuable tool alongside or before traditional therapy.

People choose AI therapy for many reasons:

Therapist-like support for common issues: For many day-to-day mental health challenges like overthinking, burnout, loneliness, or relationship issues, AI therapy offers guidance similar to what you'd get from a human therapist.
24/7 Availability: There's no need to wait for an appointment. You can start a session whenever you feel the need, early morning, late at night, or in the middle of your lunch break.
Affordable and accessible: Aitherapy is a fraction of the cost of traditional therapy, making mental health support available to more people, regardless of income or location.
Zero judgment, zero pressure: AI therapy creates space for vulnerability, especially for those who find it hard to open up to other people.

Yes, AI therapy can be highly effective for many. While it may not fully replace human therapists for complex conditions, research and real-world feedback show that AI-powered tools help people reduce anxiety, process difficult emotions, and feel heard. Aitherapy is trained using proven methods like CBT and regularly updated based on therapist and research input. Users report feeling calmer, more emotionally stable, and better equipped to handle daily stress after using Aitherapy consistently. It’s especially helpful as a first step, ongoing check-in tool, or companion between traditional therapy sessions.

Absolutely. Aitherapy adapts to your preferences over time. You can choose how you want to communicate whether you prefer short and to-the-point messages, deeper explanations, or a more conversational tone. You can even change the pace of responses depending on how you're feeling that day. Just let the chatbot know during your session, and it will adjust accordingly. These personalizations are saved securely and apply only to your individual experience, making every session feel more natural and aligned with your needs.

Yes. At Aitherapy, protecting your privacy is a top priority. All conversations are encrypted using industry-standard protocols, and we comply with strict data protection regulations like GDPR and also align with HIPAA. Your data is never sold, and you have full control over your account and conversation history. We regularly audit our systems, work with security experts, and have a robust incident response plan in place. Whether you're a casual user or a paying member, your emotional safety and data privacy are always respected.

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Yes, Aitherapy offers a free plan where you can send up to 20 messages per day without paying, and there's no credit card needed to sign up. This allows you to try the experience and see how helpful it is before deciding whether to upgrade. Our premium plan unlocks unlimited message, giving you more freedom to explore your thoughts and emotions without limits.

Aitherapy is not a replacement for licensed therapists, but it offers a helpful alternative or companion tool. Human therapists provide diagnosis, treatment planning, and deep emotional insight. Aitherapy, powered by AI and trained with therapist input, offers immediate support, evidence-based strategies like CBT, and emotional regulation tools. It’s especially useful for day-to-day mental health maintenance, venting, and reflection between human therapy sessions.

While AI doesn't "feel" emotions, Aitherapy is designed to recognize emotional patterns in your language and respond with empathy, support, and relevant techniques. It’s been trained to understand how people express sadness, anxiety, stress, anger, and more. Users often say that Aitherapy feels surprisingly intuitive, offering responses that feel validating and calming.

Yes. Aitherapy is built to follow ethical guidelines and avoid harmful advice. It never gives medical diagnoses or pushes specific decisions. Instead, it helps you reflect, understand your emotions, and use therapeutic tools safely. We've worked with licensed professionals to ensure Aitherapy responds in a way that supports mental health rather than risks it.

You can talk about anything on your mind: anxiety, burnout, loneliness, relationship problems, work stress, low self-esteem, overthinking, addiction, grief, or even just feeling stuck. Aitherapy is here to listen and help you explore what you're feeling. There are no "wrong" topics, just a space for you to be honest and supported.

Yes, many users turn to Aitherapy for help managing anxiety or panic attacks. It can walk you through grounding exercises, breathing techniques, and calming cognitive reframes. It's not a substitute for emergency help or therapy for severe cases, but it’s a trusted source of immediate relief for many users experiencing stress or panic symptoms.

Unlike many AI apps that offer generic replies, Aitherapy is trained with licensed therapists and follows Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. It's also one of the only platforms with both mobile app and website, 24/7 access, and strong data privacy practices aligned with GDPR and HIPAA. While others charge after a few messages, Aitherapy offers 20 messages every day for free and has a clear, affordable pricing plan.

We prioritize trust through transparency and care. Aitherapy was built by people who believe everyone deserves better mental health support. We don't use dark patterns, misleading pricing, or sell your data. Everything is encrypted, customizable, and backed by therapist-reviewed training data. Our users describe it as "gentle", "honest", and "shockingly helpful".

Yes, Aitherapy is supportive for anyone, especially for those who may feel stigmatized. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community and can't find a specialized expert, someone facing discrimination, or need support around men's mental health and the difficulty of opening up in traditional therapy, Aitherapy offers a safe and non-judgmental space to express yourself.

Absolutely. Many users use Aitherapy between sessions with their human therapist. It's a great tool for reflection, processing emotions in real time, or practicing techniques like journaling or CBT exercises. Some therapists even recommend AI companions like Aitherapy to support continuity of care between appointments.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Focusing on Solutions and Strengths

Core Principles of SFBT

SFBT is guided by several foundational principles that distinguish it from other forms of therapy:

Future-Focused: Concentrates on desired outcomes rather than past problems.
Client Strengths: Emphasizes the client's resources, skills, and previous successes as tools for change.
Goal-Oriented: Therapy is structured around clear, measurable goals that the client wishes to achieve.
Solution Emphasis: Focuses on solutions and practical steps, avoiding over-analysis of problems.
Time-Efficient: Typically conducted over a short period, with sessions tailored to produce rapid, meaningful results.
Collaborative Approach: Therapist and client work together to identify solutions and strategies for achieving goals.

Techniques Used in SFBT

Several techniques are central to the practice of SFBT, facilitating a focus on solutions and progress:

The Miracle Question: Clients are asked to imagine a future where their problem is resolved and describe what would be different. This helps clarify goals and identify practical steps.
Scaling Questions: Clients rate their progress or confidence on a scale, providing insight into their perception of change and highlighting small improvements.
Exception Finding: Identifies times when the problem did not occur or was less severe, highlighting strategies and behaviors that can be repeated.
Goal-Setting: Focuses on concrete, achievable objectives, breaking larger goals into actionable steps.
Compliments and Affirmations: Therapist reinforces client strengths, resilience, and progress to foster confidence and motivation.
Task Assignments: Clients are given practical tasks or experiments to try between sessions to promote solution-focused behaviors.

Applications of SFBT

SFBT is highly adaptable and has been applied across a wide range of populations and mental health conditions:

Depression and Anxiety: Helps clients identify coping strategies, set goals, and build confidence to manage symptoms.
Relationship and Family Issues: Supports individuals and families in focusing on solutions to conflicts and improving communication.
Substance Use and Recovery: Encourages goal setting and reinforcement of past successes to support recovery.
Career and Educational Challenges: Assists clients in overcoming obstacles, setting career or academic goals, and developing actionable plans.
Life Transitions: Supports individuals navigating changes such as relocation, parenthood, or retirement by focusing on actionable solutions and adaptation strategies.

Benefits of SFBT

Clients engaging in SFBT experience a variety of psychological, emotional, and practical benefits:

Rapid Results: Short-term, solution-focused approach often produces noticeable improvements quickly.
Empowerment: Emphasizes clients' strengths and resources, fostering self-confidence and autonomy.
Goal Clarity: Helps clients articulate desired outcomes and concrete steps to achieve them.
Positive Focus: Encourages attention to what works, increasing motivation and hope.
Adaptability: Applicable across a wide range of challenges, from mental health issues to practical life problems.
Improved Problem-Solving: Clients learn to generate practical solutions and apply them effectively.
Short-Term Commitment: Efficient approach suitable for individuals seeking therapy with limited time or resources.

Client Experience

Clients participating in SFBT often report:

Collaborative Process: Therapist and client work together as a team, promoting active engagement and ownership of change.
Increased Motivation: Emphasis on achievable goals and visible progress encourages sustained effort.
Confidence Building: Recognizing and leveraging existing strengths increases self-efficacy.
Practical Skills: Clients acquire tools to identify solutions and implement strategies in real-life situations.
Positive Perspective: Focus on solutions rather than problems cultivates optimism and resilience.
Efficient Therapy: Achieves meaningful change without extended long-term sessions, making it accessible and cost-effective.

References

de Shazer, S. (1985). "Keys to Solution in Brief Therapy." W. W. Norton & Company.
Berg, I. K., & Steiner, T. (2003). "Children & Families: Solutions in Brief Therapy." W. W. Norton & Company.
Franklin, C., Trepper, T., Gingerich, W., & McCollum, E. (2012). "Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: A Handbook of Evidence-Based Practice." Oxford University Press.
Kim, J. S., Smock, S. A., & Trepper, T. S. (2010). "Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Its Effective Use in Practice." Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 40(2), 87-96.
American Psychological Association. (2023). "Solution-Focused Therapy." https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/solution-focused-brief-therapy

Have you talked to Aitherapy yet?

Start Talking!

It's Free, Forever!

No Signup Required to Try!

Trusted by 10K+ users

“Omg, so much better than other services I have tried. Super helpful. Very responsive and validating”

Dawn D.

“Deeply grateful for Aitherapy's accessible and supportive sessions, which have significantly uplifted my mental well-being. Thank you so much!”

Aziza C.

“Aitherapy is always available, which is great because I can’t always find time to go to therapy. And it’s so affordable, especially for what you get.”

Mesut K.

“Aitherapy makes it easy to talk about things the moment they come up instead of waiting for my next therapy appointment. It’s nice to have a place to vent or talk through the challenges I’m going through as they happen.”

Ariana P.

“Aitherapy is very helpful without being judgmental. The answers and suggestions are timely and appropriate. It’s easier to be more open in this format.”

Thomas T.

“This is one of the best AI therapy apps out there. It's so intuitive, sensitive and affirming! It really gives helpful detailed feedback and asks questions that really help process whatever you are going through.”

Tim P.

“I have been using Aitherapy for about 3 months and it has been very helpful and supportive. I like the approach used, I don't get told 'this the issue and this is what you must do'. It's more like asking me questions and what I think about something that I have said, which has helped me to see a number of things in a way I did not see them before.”

StarSeed

“I've used other tech-enabled therapy tools, and I find myself trusting Aitherapy a whole lot more. It doesn't compromise the integrity of the therapy work at the altar of keeping a captive audience by constantly validating one's viewpoint.”

Kartick S.

“This service really helped me when my therapist was on break for a month. I was really struggling and it got me through. I think it also let me reflect on some things so that, when I came back, I was ready to tackle material I wasn’t able to before.”

“I absolutely love AI Therapy! I’ve done a lot of work in therapy and usually feel pretty good. However, it’s those unexpected emotional triggers that can sneak up on you and catch you off guard. In the past, I would have to ride out the emotional storm and try to process everything on my own. AI Therapy has been a game-changer for me. it was there when I needed it most.”

Laura H.

“AI Therapy was there when I couldn't find anyone else. I couldn't afford other online therapy options and they also didn't accept my insurance. I looked locally but never heard back. After a month of searching, I typed ‘Can AI be my therapist?’ into Google and found Aitherapy. I've been using it ever since. The advice is impeccable, the cost is affordable, and it's there for me 24/7.”

Elicia H.

FAQ

People choose AI therapy for many reasons:

Therapist-like support for common issues: For many day-to-day mental health challenges like overthinking, burnout, loneliness, or relationship issues, AI therapy offers guidance similar to what you'd get from a human therapist.
24/7 Availability: There's no need to wait for an appointment. You can start a session whenever you feel the need, early morning, late at night, or in the middle of your lunch break.
Affordable and accessible: Aitherapy is a fraction of the cost of traditional therapy, making mental health support available to more people, regardless of income or location.
Zero judgment, zero pressure: AI therapy creates space for vulnerability, especially for those who find it hard to open up to other people.

Core Principles of SFBT

Techniques Used in SFBT

Applications of SFBT

Benefits of SFBT

Client Experience

References

FAQ

What is AI Therapy?

What is AI Therapy?

How Can AI Therapy Help Me?

How Can AI Therapy Help Me?

Why AI Therapy?

Why AI Therapy?

Is AI Therapy Effective?

Is AI Therapy Effective?

Can I Customize My AI Therapy Experience?

Can I Customize My AI Therapy Experience?

Is My Data Safe with Aitherapy?

Is My Data Safe with Aitherapy?

Can Aitherapy Talk in My Language?

Can Aitherapy Talk in My Language?

Is Aitherapy Free to Use?

Is Aitherapy Free to Use?

How Is Aitherapy Different from a Human Therapist?

How Is Aitherapy Different from a Human Therapist?

Can AI Really Understand My Emotions?

Can AI Really Understand My Emotions?

Is Aitherapy Safe for My Mental Health?

Is Aitherapy Safe for My Mental Health?

What Topics Can I Talk About with Aitherapy?

What Topics Can I Talk About with Aitherapy?

Is Aitherapy Good for Anxiety or Panic Attacks?

Is Aitherapy Good for Anxiety or Panic Attacks?

How Does Aitherapy Compare to Other AI Therapy Apps?

How Does Aitherapy Compare to Other AI Therapy Apps?

What Makes Aitherapy Trustworthy?

What Makes Aitherapy Trustworthy?

Is Aitherapy Helpful for Anyone?

Is Aitherapy Helpful for Anyone?

Can I Use Aitherapy Alongside Human Therapy?

Can I Use Aitherapy Alongside Human Therapy?

Core Principles of SFBT

Techniques Used in SFBT

Applications of SFBT

Benefits of SFBT

Client Experience

References

FAQ

What is AI Therapy?

What is AI Therapy?

How Can AI Therapy Help Me?

How Can AI Therapy Help Me?

Why AI Therapy?

Why AI Therapy?

Is AI Therapy Effective?

Is AI Therapy Effective?

Can I Customize My AI Therapy Experience?

Can I Customize My AI Therapy Experience?

Is My Data Safe with Aitherapy?

Is My Data Safe with Aitherapy?

Can Aitherapy Talk in My Language?

Can Aitherapy Talk in My Language?

Is Aitherapy Free to Use?

Is Aitherapy Free to Use?

How Is Aitherapy Different from a Human Therapist?

How Is Aitherapy Different from a Human Therapist?

Can AI Really Understand My Emotions?

Can AI Really Understand My Emotions?

Is Aitherapy Safe for My Mental Health?

Is Aitherapy Safe for My Mental Health?

What Topics Can I Talk About with Aitherapy?

What Topics Can I Talk About with Aitherapy?

Is Aitherapy Good for Anxiety or Panic Attacks?

Is Aitherapy Good for Anxiety or Panic Attacks?

How Does Aitherapy Compare to Other AI Therapy Apps?

How Does Aitherapy Compare to Other AI Therapy Apps?

What Makes Aitherapy Trustworthy?

What Makes Aitherapy Trustworthy?

Is Aitherapy Helpful for Anyone?

Is Aitherapy Helpful for Anyone?