SFBT therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
Focusing on solutions, strengths, and what's already working
SFBT helps young people find what to change, discover their strengths, and build real solutions. It usually takes fewer sessions than traditional therapy.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
SFBT, at a glance
SFBT, at a glance
86% effective
Clients report positive outcomes in behavioral, emotional, and relational domains (Kim & Franklin, 2009).
3-6 sessions
Typical range for SFBT, one of the shortest evidence-based therapy approaches.
Strengths-based
Focuses on what is already working and amplifies it, rather than dwelling on problems.
What is SFBT?
How solution-focused brief therapy works for young people.
SFBT moves the conversation from problems to solutions. Instead of talking about what went wrong, it helps young people see their ideal future and plan next steps.
SFBT believes kids already have strengths and tools to make change. They just need help finding and using them. Teens like this way because it's not all about their problems.
SFBT was created by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. It's been studied a lot with kids, teens, and families.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
Core SFBT techniques
The tools your child's therapist will use.
The Miracle Question
- Imagining life when the problem is solved
- Creating a vivid picture of the preferred future
- Identifying small signs of change already happening
- Building motivation through possibility-focused thinking
Scaling Questions
- Rating current progress on a 1-10 scale
- Identifying what's already working (even a little)
- Setting concrete, achievable next steps
- Tracking progress in a visual, tangible way
Exception Finding
- Discovering times the problem doesn't happen
- Identifying what's different during successful moments
- Amplifying existing strengths and coping strategies
- Building on natural competencies and resources
Complimenting & Coping
- Recognizing and affirming client strengths
- Highlighting resilience and past successes
- Coping questions that uncover hidden competence
- Building self-efficacy through acknowledgment
How SFBT helps
Real results for young people.
- Fast positive change in fewer sessions
- Builds belief in yourself and confidence
- Puts young people in charge of their own change
- Works for many types of behavior and emotion problems
- Teens like it because it's not all about problems
- Focuses on strengths, reduces shame
Who benefits from SFBT
Common applications for children and teens.
Behavioral & Academic
- School-related behavioral challenges
- Academic motivation and performance
- Goal-setting and future planning
- Adjustment to transitions
Emotional & Social
- Self-esteem and self-confidence
- Peer relationship difficulties
- Mild to moderate anxiety and depression
- Family communication challenges
Why families choose Emora for SFBT
Real SFBT therapists vs. others.
General providers
Therapists trained in SFBT methods
Problem-focused approach that can make kids feel worse
Strengths-based approach that gives power to young people
Focuses on what's wrong without building on strengths
Short, efficient therapy with clear goals
No set end date for therapy
Combined with other proven therapies when needed
Only one type of therapy without changes
Tracks progress from day one
Doesn't track results well
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what's going on
Tell us about your child's goals and what you'd like to see change.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
- 3
Start therapy
Meet your matched therapist and start building on strengths from session one.
Frequently asked questions
What parents and young adults ask most about SFBT.
SFBT works with kids as young as 5 or 6 through adulthood. It changes based on age. Younger kids use pictures and play-based ideas. Teens talk about ideas.
Yes. Research shows SFBT works in 3 to 6 sessions for many problems. It's made to create quick change by using what's already working. Some kids need more sessions for harder problems.
No. SFBT sees the problem but focuses energy on solutions. It's based on research showing that talking about solutions works faster than deep analysis of the problem.
CBT looks at and changes thought patterns step by step. SFBT looks for times when the problem doesn't happen, sees a hoped-for future, and builds on strengths. SFBT is usually shorter and less strict than CBT.
Yes. SFBT works well with other types of therapy. Many therapists mix SFBT questions with CBT, DBT, or family therapy. The strengths focus works with almost any other proven therapy.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
We love Amanda! It's been over a month- seeing positive results
Parent of an 11 year old
1 hour ago
Amanda Crabtree, LMHC
Evelyn said she was really happy with the session.
Parent of a 9 year old
6 hours ago
Dr. Maritza Rodriguez, LPC-S, CCST
I like the fact that she suggested that we should do ADHD testing and I like that she was asking him questions that were making him think a little about his answers. It was very helpful and it sparked discussion for us afterwards
Parent of a 12 year old
7 hours ago
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
I love Quenton Kayd! I’ve had 18 sessions with him and he has helped me so much! He also takes the time to see things from my perspective and it means so much!
An Adult client
10 hours ago
Quenton Kayd, LPC
Ann is an excellent therapist. She’s been helping my daughter through her anxiety and her thoughtful and insightful guidance has had a meaningful impact on my daughter and managing her anxiety.
Parent of an 11 year old
22 hours ago
Ann Marie Driver, LCMHC-A
She’s very charismatic and easy to talk to. My daughter told me she likes her
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Katherine Vasquez Lugo, RMHCI
Catherine was warm and welcoming!
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago
Catherine Campos, LCSW
My therapist was absolutely amazing I already can tell she is going to help me a lot!
An Adult client
1 day ago
Laura Doocy, LPC-A
Milton is very understanding and listened to my son rattle on and on lol and they're was no rush.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago
Milton Hernandez, LPC
JoeAnn Allen gave us key ways to handle some problems, we appreciate her very much
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
JoeAnn Allen, RMHCI
Rating on behalf of my daughter. She's always in a better mood when she talks with Korina! ✨
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My son connects so well with Nathalie. He was skeptical at first now he sets up 10 mind before the session in anticipation for their talk time.
Parent of a 10 year old
2 days ago
Nathalie Fernandez Mendez, LCMHC-A, LMHC
Richard was excellent during my child´s session today. He was very informative, attentive, and truly focused on our specific needs. You can tell he genuinely cares and takes the time to listen and understand. We’re looking forward to future appointments and seeing growth with his support.
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate
The coping mechanism you gave me felt extremely helpful
An Adult client
2 days ago
Marise Jimenez, RMHCI
Very attentive and caring. Took the time out to help us find the right therapist.
Parent of a 16 year old
2 days ago
Jennifer Guzman, LPC
great person easy to talk to. very attentive.
An Adult client
2 days ago
Dr. Joel Bell, PsyD
Sarah is incredible with my 7 year old. So great at building rapport and bringing in coping strategies.
Parent of a 7 year old
2 days ago
Sarah Newton, LMSW
Helped my child open up and feel more self confidence
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Your child already has what it takes to change
SFBT helps young people find their strengths and use them to solve problems.
Not sure where to start? Book a matching session.
