Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Add solution-focused brief therapy techniques to your repertoire as you learn from leading SFBT researchers and practitioners and explore the rationale, impact and approaches.

This course will enable you to use solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) techniques in your everyday practice. This is significant because practitioners are increasingly expected to apply a range of effective, evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

SFBT has been described as an art, rather than a science. Therefore, your lecturers will cover the necessary 'toolbox' needed to practice these techniques, but your ability to integrate theory with practice in real clinical situations will be a priority. You’ll develop this skill through the use of case material, role-play and other experiential techniques.

The course explores the development and application of SFBT, the philosophical and research base which underpins it, and its implications for partnership and collaboration with people seeking help for a variety of difficulties in a variety of settings. You’ll focus on evidence-based interventions and consider the importance of flexibility in choosing a psychosocial intervention, regardless of the clinical setting or diagnostic criteria.

The teaching of this course is closely linked to leading current practice and includes areas of interest from international SFBT work. Both of your lecturers have been involved in SFBT since its inception in the UK, they have published in this field and led workshops at international conferences. Incorporated into the course content is current PhD research done at Anglia Ruskin University. We have recently led clinical projects running solution-focused groups with community-based learning-disability services as well as alcohol and drug teams.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed via a 5,000-word essay as well as your submission of audio recordings or transcripts of 2 therapy sessions. This is negotiated with the module leader, and is undertaken and applied within your own care setting.