Solution Focused Therapy Worksheets

What is a Solution-Focused Therapy Worksheet?

A Solution-Focused Therapy Worksheet is a powerful tool within the solution-focused therapy (SFT) framework, and it is a therapeutic approach developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. SFT, also known as solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), concentrates on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems, making it brief and future-oriented therapy. The worksheet aligns with positive psychology principles, helping clients of all ages—children, young people, and adults—identify and build on their strengths and resources.

At the core of SFT is the "miracle question," a technique where clients envision a preferred future where their problems have miraculously disappeared. This  solution-focused approach allows therapists to explore preferred futures and set positive goals. The worksheet incorporates scaling questions to track progress, exception questions to identify times when the issue is less prominent, and coping questions to understand the client's ability to deal with challenges.

Therapists, counselors, and practitioners use a Solution-Focused Therapy Worksheet in sessions to guide clients through a process that focuses on solutions, exercises, and reflective exercises. The worksheets are created to be a helpful resource for therapists, providing a structured form to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. They enable a collaborative relationship between therapists and clients, creating a supportive environment for creating positive change.

The Solution-Focused Therapy Worksheet is versatile for relationships, personal development, and professional growth. Promoting a future-oriented, solution-focused mindset instead of a problem-focused approach enhances therapy sessions, benefiting therapists, clients, and coaching professionals.

How to use this worksheet for solution-focused brief therapy

We have tried to ensure that implementing our worksheet into your therapy practice is as easy as possible. While you may find some aspects of this process self-explanatory, we have included a step-by-step guide to help ensure implementation is seamless.

Step 1: Access and download the worksheet

Naturally, the first thing you need to do is access and download the worksheet. We've included a link to the PDF template further down this page, alongside a completed SFT worksheet example.

Step 2: Give the worksheet to the patients

The second step is to give the worksheet to patients. You can print physical copies or send them a link to the electronic version. It is likely a good idea to go over the worksheet with your patients before they complete it so they understand what the resource asks. 

Step 3: Use the completed worksheet to develop a treatment plan 

As you know, SFT requires the patient and therapist to collaborate to devise a treatment plan that will lead to the patient achieving their desired outcome. This worksheet gives the patient space to brainstorm possible solutions, which can be discussed with the therapist. You can use this Solution-Focused Therapy Treatment Plan after your session.

Fortunately, implementing this Solution-Focused Therapy Worksheet into your healthcare practice will yield a wide range of benefits. Some of these advantages include:

Engage patients in their care

Solution-focused therapy uses interventions that require patient involvement to be successful. This specific worksheet is intended for patients to complete outside of session times, ensuring that responses are authentic and patients have a role in developing their treatment goals. Many clients will appreciate it when you encourage such engagement, enabling a more direct therapy treatment method and ensuring that patients continuously work toward positive outcomes. The printable worksheet is accessible to clients of various ages and backgrounds. It can be employed in individual therapy sessions, group therapy settings, or virtual therapy contexts.

Less-costly for patients 

Because solution-focused therapy develops interventions specifically designed to be short-term, the time a patient receives treatment is relatively short. Although this will depend on each client's needs, an expected time frame could be 6-8 weeks. In addition to streamlining the treatment process, this shortened time frame will mean that therapy is less costly and more accessible.

Less time-consuming for therapists 

Mental health professionals like you can benefit from reducing the time spent on paperwork. A ready-made template frees up time that would otherwise be spent creating custom templates for an individual client. This allows therapists to treat more clients within the same timeframe without impacting clinical outcomes, helping more patients achieve their goals.

Empower patients to achieve positive clinical outcomes

Engaging patients in their care by giving them a role in brainstorming and devising solutions to their problems empowers them to achieve positive clinical outcomes. Giving patients the resources and tools they need to overcome issues demonstrates their role in managing their care, helping them avoid similar problems in the future.

Improve communication

Solution-focused therapy is fantastic at improving communication between patients and therapists. This worksheet enables a collaborative approach to devising solutions to each patient's problems, an intervention method only possible if both parties are good communicators. Additionally, this type of treatment will lead to a stronger and more meaningful relationship between client and therapist.