Learning Solution-Focused Therapy:

Guidance on Beginning Your Training or Advancing Your Skills Based on Your Experience

New to Solution-Focused Therapy

We understand that Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is not for everyone. If you wonder if this approach is right for you, or how deeply you want to engage with it, you’re in the right place. I have developed this guide to help you determine where to start with this transformative model, whether you're just curious about SFBT or ready to dive in and learn as much as possible.

Experienced with Solution-Focused Therapy (have some previous training)

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Find the link in the table of contents below that aligns with your experience level and the kind of training you are wanting. Click to be taken directly to that section (You're welcome to read through the entire guide, too).

  1. What's on this page

    I'm New to Solution-Focused Therapy and have no training (or very little training).
    1. I’m looking for a quick introduction to get more information about SFBT.
    2. I’m looking for an in-depth introduction to SFBT to really see what it's all about.
    3. I like what I have seen and heard about SFBT and want a course that will give me a good foundation in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
      1. Recommend 2-day SF Basics
      2. Recommend the Solution-Focused Summer Intensive
  2. I have had some training in and some experience with SFBT, but I get stuck and I’m not sure what to do next
    1. Recommend starting with 2-day SF Basics
    2. Topic based classes
    3. How the Advanced SFBT class works
    4. The Solution-Focused Summer Intensive
  3. Solution-Focused Practice is a good fit for me, and I want to pursue certification
  4. I'm looking for individual or group consultation
  5. I'm looking for training for my agency

I am new to SFBT and have no training (or very little training)

1. I’m looking for a quick introduction to get more information about SFBT.

If you are just wanting to get a sense if this model might be a good fit for you, then the half-day, Solution-Focused Basics Overview might be a good choice. This class is only offered online in our live, interactive format, to allow people from around the world an easy way to get a better understanding of SFBT and whether it would be a good fit for them.

In this class, you get a quick overview of the model and the kinds of questions that you would ask. The class is taught in an experiential way, allowing participants to activity participate in a Solution-Focused conversation. It is a nice way for you to try on the questions and get a beginner’s level idea of if you would like to learn more.
1/2-day intro to SFBT (SF Basics Overview Online)

2. I’m looking for a more in-depth introduction to SFBT.

If you want a more in-depth view of what Solution-Focused Practice is all about, then the one-day Solution-Focused Brief Therapy 101 class might be the place to start. It provides all the same information as the half-day class but allows more time for additional concepts and discussion.
1-day intro to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT 101)

3. I like what I have seen and heard about SFBT and want a course that will give me a good foundation

1. For those of you who have decided SFBT is a good fit and are ready to jump in and start learning, the 2-day, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Basics course is the ideal course. No prerequisites are required, and it is designed to not only give a solid foundation of the model, but uses demonstrations, practice, and discussions to teach the unique mind set and the basic questions used in this model.
2-day Solution-Focused Basics (SFBT Basics)

2. Each July we offer the week-long Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Summer Intensive. This is the ultimate way to learn the model. It’s the way Insoo and Steve de Shazer trained their students. No prerequisites are required, and it is designed to meet the needs of both beginner and advanced learners. It not only provides a solid foundation of the model, but each day builds on the previous one to create a deep, sustainable understanding of how the model works with some of the most difficult situations. There are several registration options available.
Solution-Focused Summer Intensive

I have some training and experience with SFBT, but I get stuck, and I’m not sure what to do next.

1. First step for those who have taken solution-focused training from other trainers

I strongly suggest taking the 2-day Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Basics class from our training center. There are many dialects of Solution-Focused Practice in use, and taking this foundational course will help you to learn the specific dialect that is being taught at Denver Center for SFBT. In addition, as Steve de Shazer used to say, “There is no such thing as Advanced SFBT. It’s all about the Basics,” so there really is no stepping backwards. Professionals who decide to move toward international certification as a Solution-Focused Practitioner have found repeating this and many of the other courses is very helpful since they hear nuances each time that were previously missed, and since the classes are not recorded, they provide more flexibility to address students' current issues that are getting them stuck. This allows faster progression to mastery of the approach.
2-day Solution-Focused Basics (SFBT Basics)

2. Second, I recommend continued education through our topic-based classes, Advanced SFBT class (which is a "practice lab" format), and the Summer Intensive.

After that, I recommend doing this.

  1. We offer many topic-based classes that are meant to be taken to deepen one’s understanding of the application of the basic skills. All of these classes are meant to help develop the foundational Solution-Focused skills in a variety of settings.

    • Working with Externally Motivated Clients

      This course focuses on how to engage clients who are mandated into treatment and often seen as "difficult." This might be court order clients, children or teens, or even spouse mandated. This course challenges the traditional thinking of "resistance" or the need to increase motivation.
      See class Details

    • Solution-Focused Substance Misuse Treatment

      Applying Solution-Focused Therapy with clients who struggle with substance misuse can seem daunting. This class explains and demonstrates how to empower the client while addressing the concerning behaviors. The concepts of substance misuse evaluations and working with problem-focused professionals are also addressed.
      See Class Details

    • Using Solution-Focused Thinking to Help Clients Cope with Grief/Loss

      Solution-Focused Practice is the ideal model for addressing grief and loss. These concepts are a natural part of life and therefore, not a "problem." The Solution-Focused model's focus on helping clients to create a preferred future despite the loss takes time and skill to master. This course helps professionals learn to gently and compassionately validate the pain while empowering the client to begin to consider and move toward the future.
      See Class Details

    • Supervision and Management

      Solution-Focused Practice is best thought of as a language and way of interacting with people. Using it in the workplace helps supervisors and managers partner with employees to more effectively get the work done. This course addresses common work place issues and dynamics that frequently result in high turnover and job dissatisfaction. It offers alternative ways of thinking and working with staff to build a stronger workforce.
      See Class Details

    • Solution-Focused Animal Assisted Therapy

      Animals are naturally solution-focused. Their calming effect and very presence create exceptions, and they have a powerful engaging effect for clients who otherwise struggle. This course explores how to use a trainer therapy dog, the clients own pet, or even just the topic of animals through relationship questions in the therapeutic conversations. Practice standards are also explored.
      See Class Details

    • Solution-Focused Practice in a Group setting

      Group therapy is traditionally very problem-focused. Even how we group clients has been according to their presenting problem. This class explores how to think and work with groups in ways that are consistent with Solution-Focused Thinking. How to screen clients for a group setting, how to establish norms, as well as how to address common problem group behaviors will be addressed.
      See Class Details

    • Protecting Professional Resiliency (Solution-Focused Thinking to Prevent Burnout)

      Burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma are all common in the helping professions. Solution-Focused Practice is non-pathologizing, curiosity-based, and respectful. Because of this, we can effectively use this model on ourselves and those we care about. This class shows how we can use the unique way of thinking in Solution-Focused practice on ourselves to address and even prevent these common struggles.
      See Class Details
  2. The Advanced Solution-Focused Brief Therapy class is a practice lab style class that is designed to be taken multiple times. There is no formal agenda, and the time is spent reviewing the basics, clarifying areas where attendees are struggling, and actively practicing client sessions. As in all our classes, the group size is kept small to create a safe learning environment and allow for active discussion.
    See the Advanced Solution-Focused Brief Therapy here
  3. Each July we offer the week-long Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Summer Intensive. This is the ultimate way to learn the model. It is designed to meet the needs of both beginner and advanced learners. It not only provides a solid foundation of the model, but each day builds on the previous one to create a deep understanding of how the model works with some of the most difficult situations. Each year we include unique topics that are not offered at other times during the year such as application with children, couples, families, trauma, high-risk clients, etc. The Summer Intensive is also designed to be taken multiple times, since it is different every year.
    See the Solution-Focused Summer Intensive here

Solution-Focused Practice is the model for me, and I want to master the language and/or pursue certification.

Should you decide that this is definitely the model you would like to master, all of the classes and services count toward IASTI International certification. Here is a link to learn more about all the specific requirements of the first of the three levels offered through Denver Center for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Solution-Focused Certification

Training and consultation outside of our published classes

Individual and Group Consultation

We also offer both individual and group consultation groups to help you apply the learning in your work settings. Contact Teri Pichot for more information about how to participate in these learning opportunities.

Agency Training

Looking to train your staff or for agency training? We create personalized, onsite and online training based on your program’s needs.

Contact Teri Pichot via email or phone, and we can discuss a plan that will work for you.
303-941-4497
tpichot@denversolutions.com