Online Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for Teens and Adults in California
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) starts from a hopeful idea: you already have strengths, past successes and good instincts, even when life feels stuck. Instead of spending most of our time on what's wrong, we focus on what you want your life to look like and the small steps that can get you there.
How it's different
Many therapies spend a lot of time exploring the history of a problem. SFBT is more forward-looking. We stay curious about what's working, what you want more of, and what the next small step could be. If you want to explore the past, we can. It just isn't required.
What we explore together
- Your hopes. What would you like to be different when therapy has been helpful? What would you notice first?
- Your best future. If things were going better, what would your days look like? Who would notice, and what would they see?
- Exceptions. Times when the problem was smaller or didn't show up. What was different? What were you doing?
- Your strengths. What has helped you get through hard times before?
- Small next steps. Realistic actions you can try this week.
- Progress. A simple way to notice how far you've come, such as a 0 to 10 scale, so improvement is visible.
What sessions feel like
Sessions are focused, respectful and encouraging. I ask thoughtful questions rather than telling you what to do, because you're the expert on your own life. Every session ends with a clear sense of what's helping and what you might try next.
Who it can help
- People who feel stuck and want a clear direction
- Teens and adults facing a specific goal or decision
- People going through changes at school, work or in relationships (see life transitions)
- Parents who want practical, strengths-based ideas (see parenting support)
- Anyone who prefers a shorter, goal-focused style of therapy
What the research says
Research suggests SFBT can help people make progress, often in fewer sessions than some other approaches. It tends to work best for specific, practical goals. Results vary from person to person, and I can't promise a particular outcome or number of sessions.
How I can help
I have 15 years of experience as a therapist. I offer SFBT online in English or Mandarin, and I often combine it with other approaches in this practice so that your sessions fit your needs.
What to expect
- Free 15-minute consultation
- Individual session (53 minutes): $200 (see fees)
- Online, for clients in California, in English or Mandarin
- Teens (13+) are welcome, with a parent or guardian's consent
Frequently asked questions
Does "brief" mean I'll only get a few sessions?
Not necessarily. "Brief" describes the style, which is focused and goal-driven. The number of sessions depends on your goals, and we'll review progress as we go.
Will we ignore my problems?
No. We take your concerns seriously. We just spend more of our time on what you want and what's working, which many people find energizing.
Do I have to know my goal already?
No. Many people start with, "I just want to feel better." We'll shape it into something clear together.
Is SFBT right for teens?
Yes, many teens respond well to its respectful, strengths-focused style. With minors, a parent or guardian's consent is needed, and I can involve parents when it helps.
Can I combine it with other approaches?
Yes. I often blend it with CBT, DBT or trauma-focused work, depending on what you need.
Can we work in Mandarin?
Yes. Sessions are available in Mandarin, English, or a mix of both.
See how SFBT fits with life transitions work, or browse all of my approaches.