Understanding

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a type of talking therapy that concentrates on your strengths, resources, and preferred future rather than spending long periods analysing problems. It focuses on what is already working, even in small ways, and how to build on this. Many people in Manchester choose solution-focused counselling when they want a practical, focused approach that helps them move towards clear, achievable changes in daily life.

Section Divider with Manchester Counselling Logo

What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy was developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and colleagues, who were interested in how people create change in relatively short periods of time. Instead of looking in depth at the origins of difficulties, SFBT asks detailed questions about how you would like things to be different and when aspects of this are already happening. The emphasis is on realistic goals, small steps, and noticing progress. At its core, SFBT assumes that you have skills, knowledge, and resources that can be drawn upon, even when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. Emotional distress is not ignored, but the therapy does not linger on it more than is needed to understand what you want to be different. By focusing on your preferred future and the exceptions to the problem, the work aims to make difficulties feel more manageable and change feel more possible. The conversations are typically structured, collaborative, and future oriented. Your therapist in Manchester will ask questions that help you describe your goals in concrete terms, notice times when the problem is less intense, and identify what you and others are already doing that helps. This can support a sense of progress and hope, even when challenges remain.

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Issues Solution-Focused Brief Therapy can be effective for

Click any area to explore further

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship Difficulties

Stress

Social Anxiety

Religious/Spiritual Concerns

Work-Related Stress

Panic Attacks

Sleep Disorders

Self Esteem & Confidence Issues

How does Solution-Focused Brief Therapy work?

In solution-focused brief therapy, you and your therapist begin by clarifying what you hope will be different as a result of counselling. Rather than focusing mainly on what is wrong, sessions pay close attention to your strengths, past successes, and times when problems have been less dominant. The therapist will ask specific questions to help you imagine your preferred future in detail and to identify signs that you are already moving towards it.

The work is usually time limited and focused, with an emphasis on noticing and building on small, realistic changes between sessions. You might explore how you coped with difficult situations, what helped on slightly better days, and what others have noticed when things go even a little more smoothly. In Manchester, this approach can be especially helpful when you want something practical and goal oriented that still respects your circumstances and limits.

Key therapeutic techniques:

  • Collaborative goal setting and defining a preferred future

  • Using scaling questions to track progress and confidence

  • Exploring exceptions when the problem is less intense or absent

  • Identifying next small, achievable steps between sessions

READ MORE

Try a free self-test

It's not a diagnosis, but it can help you decide if speaking to a therapist could be beneficial.

View Self Tests

What to expect in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy sessions

Initial Assessment

You and your therapist discuss what has brought you to therapy and what you hope will be different. Together, you decide on clear, realistic aims for the work.

Building Understanding

The focus is on your goals, strengths, and resources. Your therapist asks targeted questions to understand how the problem affects you and when it is less present.

Active Work

You explore exceptions, notice small changes, and identify practical next steps. Scaling and future focused questions help you track progress and adjust goals as needed.

Progress & Growth

You regularly review what has improved and what still feels difficult. You and your therapist consider how to maintain gains and bring the work to a planned close.

Begin Therapist Matching

How structured is solution-focused brief therapy?

How long does solution-focused brief therapy usually last?

Is solution-focused brief therapy suitable if my problems feel complex?

How can I access solution-focused brief therapy?

Section Divider with Manchester Counselling Logo
Therapists offering Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Manchester

Our team uses evidence-based approaches tailored to each client's unique needs. Here are some of the therapeutic methods that have proven highly effective for anxiety:

Understanding

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a type of talking therapy that concentrates on your strengths, resources, and preferred future rather than spending long periods analysing problems. It focuses on what is already working, even in small ways, and how to build on this. Many people in Manchester choose solution-focused counselling when they want a practical, focused approach that helps them move towards clear, achievable changes in daily life.

Section divider with Manchester Counselling Logo

What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy was developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and colleagues, who were interested in how people create change in relatively short periods of time. Instead of looking in depth at the origins of difficulties, SFBT asks detailed questions about how you would like things to be different and when aspects of this are already happening. The emphasis is on realistic goals, small steps, and noticing progress. At its core, SFBT assumes that you have skills, knowledge, and resources that can be drawn upon, even when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. Emotional distress is not ignored, but the therapy does not linger on it more than is needed to understand what you want to be different. By focusing on your preferred future and the exceptions to the problem, the work aims to make difficulties feel more manageable and change feel more possible. The conversations are typically structured, collaborative, and future oriented. Your therapist in Manchester will ask questions that help you describe your goals in concrete terms, notice times when the problem is less intense, and identify what you and others are already doing that helps. This can support a sense of progress and hope, even when challenges remain.

READ MORE

Issues Solution-Focused Brief Therapy can be effective for

Click any area to explore further

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship Difficulties

Stress

Religious/Spiritual Concerns

Work-Related Stress

Bereavement

Post-Natal Depression

Self Esteem & Confidence Issues

Expand

How does Solution-Focused Brief Therapy work?

In solution-focused brief therapy, you and your therapist begin by clarifying what you hope will be different as a result of counselling. Rather than focusing mainly on what is wrong, sessions pay close attention to your strengths, past successes, and times when problems have been less dominant. The therapist will ask specific questions to help you imagine your preferred future in detail and to identify signs that you are already moving towards it.

The work is usually time limited and focused, with an emphasis on noticing and building on small, realistic changes between sessions. You might explore how you coped with difficult situations, what helped on slightly better days, and what others have noticed when things go even a little more smoothly. In Manchester, this approach can be especially helpful when you want something practical and goal oriented that still respects your circumstances and limits.

Key therapeutic techniques:

  • Collaborative goal setting and defining a preferred future

  • Using scaling questions to track progress and confidence

  • Exploring exceptions when the problem is less intense or absent

  • Identifying next small, achievable steps between sessions

READ MORE

Try a free self-test

It's not a diagnosis, but it can help you decide if speaking to a therapist could be beneficial.

View Self Tests

What to expect in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy sessions

Initial Assessment

You and your therapist discuss what has brought you to therapy and what you hope will be different. Together, you decide on clear, realistic aims for the work.

Building Understanding

The focus is on your goals, strengths, and resources. Your therapist asks targeted questions to understand how the problem affects you and when it is less present.

Active Work

You explore exceptions, notice small changes, and identify practical next steps. Scaling and future focused questions help you track progress and adjust goals as needed.

Progress & Growth

You regularly review what has improved and what still feels difficult. You and your therapist consider how to maintain gains and bring the work to a planned close.

Begin Therapist Matching

How structured is solution-focused brief therapy?

How long does solution-focused brief therapy usually last?

Is solution-focused brief therapy suitable if my problems feel complex?

How can I access solution-focused brief therapy?

Section Divider with Manchester Counselling Logo
Therapists offering Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Manchester

Our team uses evidence-based approaches tailored to each client's unique needs. Here are some of the therapeutic methods that have proven highly effective for anxiety:

Understanding

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a type of talking therapy that concentrates on your strengths, resources, and preferred future rather than spending long periods analysing problems. It focuses on what is already working, even in small ways, and how to build on this. Many people in Manchester choose solution-focused counselling when they want a practical, focused approach that helps them move towards clear, achievable changes in daily life.

Section Divider with Manchester Counselling Logo

What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy was developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and colleagues, who were interested in how people create change in relatively short periods of time. Instead of looking in depth at the origins of difficulties, SFBT asks detailed questions about how you would like things to be different and when aspects of this are already happening. The emphasis is on realistic goals, small steps, and noticing progress. At its core, SFBT assumes that you have skills, knowledge, and resources that can be drawn upon, even when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. Emotional distress is not ignored, but the therapy does not linger on it more than is needed to understand what you want to be different. By focusing on your preferred future and the exceptions to the problem, the work aims to make difficulties feel more manageable and change feel more possible. The conversations are typically structured, collaborative, and future oriented. Your therapist in Manchester will ask questions that help you describe your goals in concrete terms, notice times when the problem is less intense, and identify what you and others are already doing that helps. This can support a sense of progress and hope, even when challenges remain.

READ MORE

Issues Solution-Focused Brief Therapy can be effective for

Click any area to explore further

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship Difficulties

Stress

Religious/Spiritual Concerns

Work-Related Stress

Bereavement

Post-Natal Depression

Self Esteem & Confidence Issues

How does Solution-Focused Brief Therapy work?

In solution-focused brief therapy, you and your therapist begin by clarifying what you hope will be different as a result of counselling. Rather than focusing mainly on what is wrong, sessions pay close attention to your strengths, past successes, and times when problems have been less dominant. The therapist will ask specific questions to help you imagine your preferred future in detail and to identify signs that you are already moving towards it.

The work is usually time limited and focused, with an emphasis on noticing and building on small, realistic changes between sessions. You might explore how you coped with difficult situations, what helped on slightly better days, and what others have noticed when things go even a little more smoothly. In Manchester, this approach can be especially helpful when you want something practical and goal oriented that still respects your circumstances and limits.

Key therapeutic techniques:

  • Collaborative goal setting and defining a preferred future

  • Using scaling questions to track progress and confidence

  • Exploring exceptions when the problem is less intense or absent

  • Identifying next small, achievable steps between sessions

READ MORE

Try a free self-test

It's not a diagnosis, but it can help you decide if speaking to a therapist could be beneficial.

View Self Tests

What to expect in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy sessions

Initial Assessment

You and your therapist discuss what has brought you to therapy and what you hope will be different. Together, you decide on clear, realistic aims for the work.

Building Understanding

The focus is on your goals, strengths, and resources. Your therapist asks targeted questions to understand how the problem affects you and when it is less present.

Active Work

You explore exceptions, notice small changes, and identify practical next steps. Scaling and future focused questions help you track progress and adjust goals as needed.

Progress & Growth

You regularly review what has improved and what still feels difficult. You and your therapist consider how to maintain gains and bring the work to a planned close.

Begin Therapist Matching

How structured is solution-focused brief therapy?

How long does solution-focused brief therapy usually last?

Is solution-focused brief therapy suitable if my problems feel complex?

How can I access solution-focused brief therapy?

Section Divider with Manchester Counselling Logo
Therapists offering Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Manchester

Our team uses evidence-based approaches tailored to each client's unique needs. Here are some of the therapeutic methods that have proven highly effective for anxiety:

Veronika Corallini, BACP registered Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist at Manchester Counselling

Veronika Corallini

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Veronika Corallini is a BACP registered Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with a Master's degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Veronika works with adults facing a range of emotional and interpersonal challenges. She offers a humanistic, person-centred approach combined with practical, solution-focused support to help clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience.

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Areas of Expertise

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship Difficulties

ADHD

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Eating Disorder

LGBTQ+ Identity & Sexuality

PTSD

Substance Misuse

Alcohol Dependency

Autism Spectrum Conditions

Stress

Social Anxiety

Cultural & Racial Identity Issues

OCD

Phobias

Religious/Spiritual Concerns

Bereavement

Panic Attacks

Bipolar Disorder

Post-Natal Depression

Sleep Disorders

Self Esteem & Confidence Issues

Show More

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Ian Haywood, MBACP and MNCPS accredited counsellor and psychotherapist at Manchester Counselling

Ian Haywood

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Ian Haywood is a BACP and NCPS accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with 1,500+ clinical hours' experience and an MSc (Distinction) in Counselling & Psychotherapy. Ian offers a person-centred approach supporting adults with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. He also works as an Executive Coach supporting clients with career and workplace challenges.

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Areas of Expertise

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship Difficulties

ADHD

Substance Misuse

Autism Spectrum Conditions

Stress

Social Anxiety

Religious/Spiritual Concerns

Work-Related Stress

Bereavement

Panic Attacks

Self Esteem & Confidence Issues

Show More

View profile

Saima Arshad, MBACP accredited Integrative Therapist at Manchester Counselling

Saima Arshad

text

Saima is an MBACP accredited Integrative Therapist and qualified social worker with over 13 years' experience in mental health across private practice, NHS, social services, and charitable organisations. With 3,000+ clinical hours, Saima offers a warm, collaborative approach tailored to each client's unique journey.

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Areas of Expertise

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship Difficulties

ADHD

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Eating Disorder

LGBTQ+ Identity & Sexuality

PTSD

Autism Spectrum Conditions

Stress

Social Anxiety

Cultural & Racial Identity Issues

Religious/Spiritual Concerns

Bereavement

Panic Attacks

Bipolar Disorder

Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control

Gender Dysphoria

Sleep Disorders

Self Esteem & Confidence Issues

Show More

View profile

Jo Fowles, BACP and UKCP integrative therapist in Manchester with 20+ years’ experience and 5,000+ clinical hours.

Jo Fowles

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Manchester City Centre, Deansgate, Spinningfields, Castlefield, Cornbrook, Ordsall, Salford Quays, Hulme, Old Trafford, Trafford Park, Stretford, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Whalley Range, Moss Side, Fallowfield, Withington, Didsbury, Rusholme, Victoria Park, Levenshulme, Longsight, Ardwick, Ancoats, New Islington, Miles Platting, Newton Heath, Moston, Blackley, Crumpsall, Cheetham Hill, Strangeways, Greengate, Salford, Broughton, Higher Broughton, Kersal, Prestwich, Swinton, Pendlebury, Eccles, Urmston, Flixton, Sale, Altrincham, Timperley, Northenden, Wythenshawe, Baguley, Sharston, Gatley, Cheadle, Heaton Moor, Heaton Chapel, Gorton, Openshaw, Clayton, Beswick, Middleton

Jo Fowles is an integrative therapist with over 20 years of experience and more than 2,000 clinical hours supporting young people, adults, and families. A member of the BACP and UKCP (Advanced Clinical Trainee), Jo works with anxiety, trauma, addiction, and relationship challenges, offering a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach to therapy.

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Areas of Expertise

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship Difficulties

ADHD

PTSD

Sex & Pornography Addiction

Substance Misuse

Alcohol Dependency

Autism Spectrum Conditions

Stress

Social Anxiety

Cultural & Racial Identity Issues

Gambling Addiction

OCD

Religious/Spiritual Concerns

Work-Related Stress

Bereavement

Panic Attacks

Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control

Paranoia

Post-Natal Depression

Sleep Disorders

Self Esteem & Confidence Issues

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Priyanka Kothari, MNCPS accredited integrative therapist in Manchester supporting adults with anxiety, trauma, and low self-esteem.

Priyanka Kothari

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Manchester City Centre, Northern Quarter, Ancoats, New Islington, Piccadilly, Gay Village, Chinatown, Spinningfields, Deansgate, Castlefield, Green Quarter, Red Bank, Collyhurst, Cheetham Hill, Strangeways, Greengate, Salford, Salford Quays, Ordsall, Cornbrook, Old Trafford, Trafford Park, Hulme, St George’s, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Ardwick, Brunswick, Oxford Road Corridor, Rusholme, Victoria Park, Longsight, Levenshulme, Fallowfield, Moss Side, Whalley Range, Stretford, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Withington, Didsbury, Gorton, Openshaw, Clayton, Beswick, Miles Platting, Newton Heath, Monsall, Harpurhey, Moston, Blackley, Crumpsall, Prestwich, Broughton, Swinton, Pendlebury, Eccles, Weaste, Higher Broughton

Priyanka Kothari is an integrative therapist (MNCPS Accred.) with an MSc in Counselling and a BSc in Psychology. She supports adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and emotional overwhelm, offering a compassionate, body-aware approach that blends insight, self-development, and practical tools for emotional balance and personal growth.

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Areas of Expertise

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship Difficulties

ADHD

LGBTQ+ Identity & Sexuality

PTSD

Stress

Social Anxiety

Cultural & Racial Identity Issues

Religious/Spiritual Concerns

Panic Attacks

Bipolar Disorder

Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control

Sleep Disorders

Self Esteem & Confidence Issues

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Leila Turney, NCPS integrative counsellor in Manchester supporting adults with anxiety, stress, and self-esteem challenges.

Leila Turney

text

Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Stretford, Whalley Range, Moss Side, Fallowfield, Withington, Didsbury, Levenshulme, Longsight, Rusholme, Victoria Park, Ardwick, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Brunswick, Hulme, Old Trafford, Trafford Park, Cornbrook, Ordsall, Salford Quays, Deansgate, Spinningfields, Castlefield, Manchester City Centre, Ancoats, New Islington, Miles Platting, Clayton, Beswick, Openshaw, Gorton, Weaste, Eccles, Pendlebury, Swinton, Sale, Altrincham, Timperley, Northenden, Wythenshawe, Baguley, Sharston, Gatley, Cheadle, Heaton Moor, Heaton Chapel, Firswood, Flixton, Urmston, Davyhulme, Partington

Leila Turney is an integrative counsellor (NCPS) with over 400 clinical hours and a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice. She supports adults and young professionals experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, stress, and relationship challenges, providing a warm, non-judgemental space for growth, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.

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Areas of Expertise

Anxiety

Relationship Difficulties

Stress

Social Anxiety

Religious/Spiritual Concerns

Bereavement

Panic Attacks

Self Esteem & Confidence Issues

Show More

View profile