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.
teens, & families
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.
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.
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.
The testing process for my child with Dr. Bunker went really well. Just like how she explained it would go.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been very helpful with the therapy process for my child.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Korina is very patient even when my child is having a difficult time with the therapy session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
This was our initial visit with Dr. Bunker. She did a great job with explaining how the process would go. She also had great interaction with my child during the visit.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been doing a great job with helping my child!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
She was really extensive and didn’t leave anything out.
An Adult client
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
The session was great! All of our concerns were addressed, we felt very heard, and it was an overall great experience
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Ms Richardson took her time to listen to my son's perspective and concerns as well as my own. She is open-minded and patient. We appreciated her help today
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
When she allowed both of us to speak and explained the next steps for our meeting in the future that was great . Thank you.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My daughter feels Dr. Jon has helped her more than any of her previous therapists. He does a great job with her.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Dr. Williams truly gets me and he makes me feel like I can take care of myself without having to worry about it.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Navigating a separation from my spouse including children. Victoria does a great job helping us work through and process this.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
Elise is going above and beyond to understand my daughter so she can help her in the best way possible.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Catherine was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She balanced hearing our thoughts as parents while also ensuring our child was heard and valued.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
So kind and a great listener. She has great patience with him.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Erica Richardson, LCSW
My daughter instantly connected! She’s very excited to work with her
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr.Bowes is awesome and a personable provider.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jaclyn Bowes, PsyD
My son feels that this Dr is a great fit. First session and he’s already doing the 10 finger breathing exercise while feeling overwhelmed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
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.
