Solution Focused Therapy in Saskatoon
Move forward with clarity and confidence.
Solution Focused Therapy is one of the flexible and collaborative approaches we offer to help you create positive change—quickly and effectively.
What Is Solution Focused Therapy?
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), also known as Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), is a practical, empowering form of counselling that helps you identify what’s working, envision your preferred future, and take steps toward it. Rather than focusing on the past or analysing problems in depth, SFT zeroes in on solutions—what’s possible, what’s already helping, and what small changes can create meaningful impact.
Solution Focused Therapy is a short-term, goal-directed approach to therapy that centres around building solutions rather than dissecting problems. It operates on a simple but powerful belief:
You don’t have to understand everything about a problem to begin solving it.
Rather than exploring the causes or history of an issue, your therapist will help you focus on your desired outcomes.
What would your life look like if things were better?
What’s already going well, even just a little?
What strengths, resources, or past successes can we build on?
SFT is conversational, respectful, and empowering. It sees you as the expert in your own life and aims to help you recognize your own capacity for change. It’s ideal for individuals who are eager to move forward and appreciate a focused, practical approach.
Who Can SFT Help?
Solution Focused Therapy can be helpful for a wide range of people and concerns. Because of its adaptability and strengths-based nature, it’s suitable for individuals, couples, families, and even larger groups, such as organizations or schools.
SFT can be particularly effective for:
Mild to moderate depression or low mood
Life transitions (e.g. career change, divorce, moving)
Parenting challenges
Goal setting and performance coaching
Confidence, motivation, and decision-making
It’s also commonly used in settings where time is limited, such as healthcare, education, or corporate environments—making it a great fit for those looking for results-oriented support in fewer sessions.
Even if you’re not facing a specific “problem,” SFT can help clarify your goals, strengthen your sense of direction, and build momentum.
How Does SFT Work?
Solution Focused Therapy is typically brief, often spanning just 4 to 8 sessions, though it can be adapted based on your preferences and needs. Sessions are structured but flexible, designed to help you quickly identify what’s working and how to do more of it.
Here’s what you can expect:
1. Clarifying Your Goals
Your therapist will start by asking future-focused questions:
“What would you like to be different?”
“How will you know when things are better?”
You’ll work together to define clear, achievable goals—what success looks like for you.
2. Exploring Exceptions and Strengths
SFT focuses on what’s already helping, even if those moments feel small. Your therapist will guide you to notice times when the problem is less intense or absent. What’s different in those moments? What are you doing that’s working?
This helps uncover your strengths, skills, and inner resources—tools you may not have realised you were already using.
3. Envisioning Your Preferred Future
One of the hallmark techniques in SFT is the “miracle question”—an imaginative exercise that invites you to describe in detail what your life would look like if your concerns were suddenly resolved. This helps shift your focus from obstacles to opportunities and opens up new possibilities.
4. Building on Progress
Rather than digging into why things go wrong, SFT emphasises what’s going right. Each session includes reflections on progress, however small:
“What’s better since last time?”
“What did you do to make that happen?”
This helps you build momentum and confidence with each step forward.
5. Taking Action Between Sessions
You may be encouraged to try small actions or shifts in thinking between sessions—something realistic and manageable that brings you closer to your goals. These aren’t “homework” in a traditional sense, but rather opportunities to explore what works best for you.
Why Choose SFT with Us?
The therapists at SoulSoothe who are trained in Solution Focused Therapy are focused on helping people move forward with intention, clarity, and hope. We understand that change doesn’t always require digging into the past—in fact, for many people, focusing on what can be is a more empowering and energising path.
When you work with us, you can expect:
A respectful, collaborative, and future-focused approach
A strong emphasis on your strengths and resources
A non-judgemental, supportive space to explore your goals
Flexible, efficient sessions tailored to your needs
Tools and insights you can start applying right away
Whether you're feeling stuck, seeking clarity, or simply want to make progress on something important, SFT can help you get moving—with purpose.
If you’re looking for a therapy approach that’s practical, efficient, and focused on the future, Solution Focused Therapy could be right for you. It’s an ideal way to gain clarity, harness your strengths, and make meaningful change—quickly.
These are our team members who offer SFT:
Start building solutions today.
Connect with us for a free consultation or look at the other counselling services we offer in Saskatoon and online.
