Interesting things I have discovered about SFBT and SST while I prepare for the ASFA Conference, and how it could help your service & clients.

As part of my workshop for the 2026 Australasian Solution Focused Conference, I have been looking at some feedback & comments from clients as well as clinical and peer staff at the Medicare Mental Health Centre (where I have run training but I also work there occasionally). Single Session Therapy (SST) is their core business, and SFBT is a big part of what they do within SST. The following are some of the standout comments:

From the CLIENTS:

• Focussing on what I can control, and becoming clear on my strengths helped me feel reassured I am capable. (F 28)

• The respect and listening skills from staff (happened) right from the beginning. (I'm) shell shocked everyone here is so humane because I've been trying so hard for so long. (F 76)

• I slept last night, peacefully and had no nightmares. I slept without my sleeping tablet. I stepped out of bed with no pain. I walked to the door without pain, which is very rare. The four hours I spent talking with (peer staff) I feel has helped my chronic pain and helped me feel safe and relaxed in my first shower in 14 years. I had a shower today and (I) washed my hair. This was previously impossible due to triggers from a traumatic experience. This is the answer to mental health. (F 79)

From the PEER STAFF:

• It allows the visitor to be the creator of their next steps, which is empowering for them.

• I like the journey it takes both the worker and the visitor on. It seems to help rapport develop quite quickly. It helps visitors to think differently and use a more helpful and positive part of their brain which isn't being utilised under the current story loop.

From the CLINICAL STAFF:

• SFBT aligns [with our philosophy] as there is a focus on the persons own self-determination, strengths, and hopes, while creating mutuality by removing the "I am the professional" power imbalance.

• It is predicated on the therapeutic relationship and helping the visitor find an alternative perspective and identify solutions that are already there.

An overarching theme that comes across is how the service, staff and approach builds hope and empowers the clients to move forward where previously they couldn't see the way.

Single Session Thinking and the Solution Focused Approach is easy to teach, easy to learn, and easy to implement into your service. You don't need to be a clinician, you don't need to do a Master's Degree. You just need 2 ears, 1 mouth, along with some compassion, a focus on strengths, and a desire to build hope through forward focused conversation.

Please CONTACT US for a no obligation chat on how SFBT and SST training can help you, your team, and most importantly your clients.