The Role of the Solution-Focused Brief Therapist in Client-Led Problem Talks

A misconception about solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is that the therapist does not need to discuss problems. This is partly attributable to the lack of research on the role of therapists in problem talks in SFBT. A case conducted by Insoo Kim Berg was analyzed. The microanalysis of the problem talks led by the clients indicates that Berg both asked problem-oriented questions and used formulations in SFBT ways. The results indicate that an SFBT therapist should be able to engage in a problem talk, as necessary, as a preliminary step forward to a solution talk without expanding the problem talk.