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Heights Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in Houston
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a practical, goal-oriented therapy that helps you build momentum quickly by identifying strengths, tracking progress, and translating insight into measurable next steps, especially helpful in dual diagnosis care when anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, cravings, or behavioral addictions need a clear plan.
Not sure which level of care fits? We will recommend the right next step after a confidential consultation.
What Is Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT)?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a structured, evidence-informed approach that helps people make meaningful change without spending months rehashing the past. The focus is simple: clarify what you want to be different, identify what is already working (even a little), and build a plan you can execute in real life.
At The Heights Treatment in Houston, SFBT is integrated into dual diagnosis treatment for addiction recovery and mental health. It pairs well with trauma-informed care, relapse prevention planning, and skills-based therapies because it turns therapy into practical next steps, especially when motivation is low, stress is high, or patterns feel “stuck.”
SFBT is often described as strengths-based and future-focused. You and your therapist work collaboratively to define a preferred future, track progress with clear metrics, and reinforce the behaviors that move you toward stability.
How SFBT Helps
SFBT helps you stabilize by changing what happens next, the next decision, the next coping choice, the next conversation, the next 24 hours. It is especially effective when you need structure, clarity, and momentum.
Instead of getting stuck in analysis, you build a plan you can execute, then you measure progress.
Who Is SFBT For?
SFBT is a strong fit when you want a clear, practical plan, not just insight. It can support many clinical goals, especially when stress, cravings, avoidance, or relationship patterns keep pulling you off track.
Addiction Recovery (Dual Diagnosis)
Builds a concrete relapse prevention plan, strengthens follow-through, and reduces “stuck” cycles in early recovery.
Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout
Clarifies goals, reduces avoidance, and supports daily structure when symptoms make life feel unmanageable.
Relationships, Family, and Process Addictions
Supports boundaries, communication, and behavior change when conflict, compulsions, or stress patterns keep repeating.
What to Expect
SFBT is structured and efficient. Sessions are active and collaborative, designed to help you leave with clearer direction, actionable steps, and measurable progress.
In Sessions
- define a preferred future and specific therapy goals
- use the Miracle Question to clarify what “better” looks like
- use Scaling Questions to track progress and build motivation
- identify Exceptions (times the problem is less intense)
- turn insights into next steps you can execute immediately
Between Sessions
- small “experiment” steps to test what works
- simple progress tracking (sleep, cravings, stress, follow-through)
- strength-based routines that reduce relapse risk
- accountability and structure aligned to your level of care
How We Integrate SFBT at Heights
SFBT works best when it is coordinated with your overall treatment plan, not used as a standalone conversation. Your primary therapist and clinical team align SFBT goals with your diagnosis, relapse risk, relationships, and level of care.
- Individual therapy:
Define goals, identify strengths, and build a measurable plan for stability and follow-through. - Clinician-led groups:
Apply SFBT tools (scaling, exceptions, next steps) to real-world recovery and mental health challenges. - Dual diagnosis focus:
Align symptom stabilization and addiction recovery into one coordinated plan. - Step-down continuity:
Maintain the same goals and progress markers as you move from IIP/PHP into IOP and OP.
SFBT is often paired with evidence-based therapies and experiential modalities to reinforce behavior change and improve real-life follow-through.
Confidential Support Starts Here
Call us for a private consultation. We will listen, answer your questions, and recommend the right next step, including the appropriate level of care and timing.
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Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) FAQ
Common questions about Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in Houston and how it fits into dual diagnosis treatment.
Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy evidence-based?
SFBT has a strong research base and is widely used in behavioral health settings. In structured care, we apply SFBT as a practical, goal-driven framework that supports measurable progress and real-world follow-through.
How is SFBT different from CBT?
CBT focuses on identifying and changing thought patterns that drive emotions and behaviors. SFBT focuses on clarifying goals, identifying strengths, and building solutions quickly. Often using tools like scaling questions and exception-finding to generate momentum.
Can SFBT help with addiction and relapse prevention?
Yes. SFBT can reduce relapse risk by translating recovery goals into actionable steps, strengthening motivation, and identifying what has helped you stay stable in the past. We pair SFBT with relapse prevention planning and treatment structure across PHP, IOP, or OP.
What are examples of SFBT techniques?
Common techniques include the Miracle Question (clarifying the preferred future), Scaling Questions (tracking progress and confidence), and Exception Questions (identifying times the problem is less intense and what worked differently).
Is SFBT a good fit if I have trauma symptoms?
It can be, but it must be tailored. If you have trauma-related symptoms, we prioritize stabilization and safety first, then use SFBT to build structure, reduce avoidance, and reinforce coping strategies that support regulation and recovery.
Which programs include SFBT at Heights?
SFBT-informed work can be included across IIP, PHP, IOP, and OP depending on your needs, diagnosis, and individualized treatment plan.
What if I’m in crisis right now?
If you are in immediate danger or at risk of harming yourself or someone else, call 911. If you are not in immediate danger but need urgent support, contact a crisis hotline in your area. We can also help you coordinate the right next step through a confidential consultation.
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This page is for education and does not replace medical advice. If you are in crisis or at immediate risk, call 911.
- de Shazer S, Berg IK. Core concepts and clinical approach of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
- Peer-reviewed outcome research on solution-focused interventions in behavioral health and addiction-adjacent care.
- Clinical best practices for integrating goal-oriented brief therapy into outpatient dual diagnosis programming (PHP/IOP/OP).
