FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?
A: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is highly effective short term therapy that, rather than focusing on problems, focuses on clients’ goals, strengths and problem-solving skills while reinforcing successful actions they may already be doing to solve the problem.

Q: My problem has been around a long time. Isn’t it going to take a long time to fix?
A: Not really. Most problems that have been around a long time continue because we keep trying the same ineffective methods to solve the problem By doing something different we can quickly achieve significant long-term effects. And these changes can be very small changes with big results. As we already know, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different outcomes.

Q: I was in therapy before and it didn’t help. What makes you think you can help me?
A: I always ask clients who have been in therapy before with unsatisfying results what it was about counseling they didn’t find helpful (because I don’t want to repeat the same mistakes) and, more importantly, what, if anything, they did find helpful (because if it helped once, it will probably help again). Too many therapists focus on problems. By focusing on solutions and what works, chances are very good we can solve the problem quickly and effectively.

Q: I have some goals I’d like to accomplish in therapy. Will we work on those?
A: Great! You’ve already started solving the problem. If you like, we’ll work on your goals together and then try some things to accomplish them. If it works, we’ll keep doing it. If not, we’ll try something else (remember the definition of insanity). Remember, you’re the expert on where you want to be, my job is to help you get there.

Q: How long is brief therapy and how will we know when we’re done?
A: Good question. There’s no set time limit. Some problems resolve in one session, others take longer. The best answer I’ve come up with (and thousands of my clients confirm this) is: 1.) What I’m doing is working. 2.) I’m reasonably confident if I keep doing what I’m doing it will continue to work. 3.) I’m willing to keep doing it. My experience has shown this to be a very realistic and accurate answer.

Q: I’m tired of talking about the problem. I know what it is. How do I fix it?
A: I don’t blame you one bit; I hate dwelling on problems too. While it’s important to know what the problem is, once we figure that out the important question becomes how do we fix it (remember the second question & answer?) If we focus on the problem, we stay stuck in the problem. I’d rather be stuck in the solution, wouldn’t you?

Q: My other therapist said I need to get in touch with my feelings to resolve past issues. I’d rather leave the past in the past. Do we have to go there?
A: Certainly not! Understanding the past and how it may have contributed to the problem doesn’t tell us what we need to do to solve the problem. Insight can be interesting but it usually doesn’t lead to change. We can change the way we do things and get better outcomes without ever understanding the source of the problem. And isn’t that what therapy is about—to live happier, more fulfilling lives?

Q: Isn’t Solution-Focused Brief Therapy just an HMO conspiracy to avoid paying for counseling?
A: Sounds like it, doesn’t it? Not surprisingly, HMOs like short- term therapy for obvious reasons, but the reality is that by focusing on solutions rather than problems, Solution-Focused Therapy works quickly and effectively. My goal is not to keep clients in therapy but to get them out of therapy and back to enjoying life without unnecessary time and expense.

Q: Do you accept insurance payments?
A: Yes, I’m contracted with most insurance plans as well as several Employee Assistance Programs (see list above-right). Your plan should be able to tell you if I’m on their provider network. Or feel free to call me at 520-325-2035 and I will check into it immediately.