Introduction to Solution-Focused Practice
This live, interactive introductory course provides an overview of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and its application across healthcare, education, behavioral health, social services, and other helping professions. Participants explore the core principles, philosophy, and communication approach that distinguish SFBT from traditional problem-focused practice through instructor-led teaching, live demonstrations, interactive discussion, and opportunities to ask questions. Designed as an introduction to the model, this course provides a foundation for understanding Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and its practical application in everyday professional conversations.
Last Updated: July 2026
Target Audience: Social workers, psychologists, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, physicians, nurses, educators, school personnel, case managers, behavioral health professionals, community professionals, and other helping professionals interested in learning the foundational principles and skills of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
Content Level: Beginner
Prerequisites: No prior training in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is required.
Delivery Method: Synchronous distance learning delivered through a web-based videoconferencing platform. Instruction includes instructor-led lectures, live clinical demonstrations, guided practice, case application, interactive discussion, small-group breakout activities, role-plays, and individualized feedback.
System Requirements: Participants need a reliable high-speed internet connection, a computer, laptop, or tablet capable of accessing the required web-based videoconferencing platform, a current web browser, speakers or headphones, and a microphone. A webcam is recommended to support interaction and attendance verification.
Participation Requirements:
This course is designed as a live, interactive educational experience delivered through synchronous distance learning. Participants are expected to remain present and actively engage throughout the training by participating in instructor-led discussions, guided practice, case applications, role-plays, and other interactive learning activities that support achievement of the course learning objectives.
Participants are encouraged to keep their cameras on whenever feasible to support interaction and attendance verification. Reasonable accommodations and alternative methods of verifying attendance are available upon request.
Participant support and instructor communication: Participants may contact info@solutionfocused.net with questions regarding course content, registration, technical support, or certificates of completion. Questions are reviewed by the instructor or knowledgeable course staff, and responses are typically provided within 24 hours.
Scheduling and Registration: This course is offered on a customized basis. Before registration, participants receive all required course information, including the course schedule, delivery format, registration instructions, course completion requirements, continuing education information, and instructions for accessing the online learning platform.
Financial Disclosure and Commercial Support
The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy and all instructional personnel involved in this continuing education program have no relevant financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. This continuing education activity is presented solely for educational purposes and has received no commercial support. No product endorsements are expressed or implied.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze how Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) represents a paradigm shift in service delivery within agency settings by engaging in structured chat discussions and guided case reflections.
- Compare and explain the core principles of SFBT in relation to other therapeutic and problem-solving models by responding to structured prompts in chat and participating in instructor-led discussions.
- Identify and apply appropriate SFBT interventions in agency settings by engaging in interactive exercises, responding to case-based scenarios in chat, and demonstrating understanding through written reflections.
Course Agenda
- 0:00–0:20 Introduction to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
- 0:20–0:50 Core Principles and Solution-Focused Communication Skills
- 0:50–1:20 Core Solution-Focused Interventions and Live Demonstration
- 1:20–1:50 Applying Solution-Focused Conversations in Professional Practice
- 1:50–2:00 Questions, Course Summary, and Evaluation
Course Assessment
To earn continuing education credit, participants must attend the full live interactive course, actively participate in course activities, and complete the required course evaluation.
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of all course requirements, participants may immediately download, save, and print their Certificate of Completion from the online course platform.
Continuing Education
2 CE Credit/Clock Hours are available for this course.
Please visit our Continuing Education Information page for details on CE credits, clock hours, and our accreditations and approvals for psychologists, social workers, and counselors. The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy offers continuing education credits. Click here for more information:
Participants are encouraged to check with their professional licensing boards to ensure that a specific course will be accepted toward their continuing education requirements.
Psychologists
The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy, LLC, is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Psychologists completing this course receive 2 continuing education hours.
The Institute is also recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0127).
Social Workers
The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy, provider number 1831, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/22/2023 – 9/22/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical continuing education credits.
The Institute is also approved by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work (#SW-0656), and by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.
Counselors
The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy, LLC has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7049. The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy, LLC, is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. Counselors completing this course receive 2 clock hours.
The Institute is also approved by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0233), and by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
No conflicts of interest or commercial support are present for the CE program, instructor, or presentation.
Policy Information
Cancellation Policy
If a live course must be canceled, postponed, or modified because of unforeseen circumstances, participants will be notified promptly. Refunds, credits, rescheduling, or other appropriate accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Institute’s Refund Policy.
Participants who choose to withdraw from a course should refer to the Institute’s Refund Policy for applicable refund terms.
For complete information regarding enrollment, cancellations, refunds, and other policies, please review our Policies, Terms, and Statements, including:
- Terms of Use
- Grievance Policy
- Accessibility Statement
- Privacy Policy
- Diversity Statement
Instructors and Authors
Want More Information about Arranging Live Synchronous Training for Your Staff?
The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy provides customized staff training designed to address the unique needs and goals of mental health, human service, medical, and educational organizations. If you are interested in scheduling a time to discuss staff training options for your workplace, simply fill out and return this short form, and our Director, Dr. Anne Lutz, will contact you to set up a Zoom consultation.
