What Is Solution-Focused Therapy? How Counselling Can Help You Move Forward Without Rehashing the Past

Solution-Focused Counselling: A Better Way to Move Forward

Ok, so life is not meant to be easy or straightforward.
There are no maps that come with it—no GPS guiding you through the major decisions, the unexpected detours, or the quiet, restless moments. And more often than not, there are many forks in the road. One minute everything feels like it’s finally falling into place, and the next? You’re completely off course, wondering how you got here.

The truth is, we all feel a little lost sometimes.
But not all of us feel comfortable—or even know how—to ask for guidance.

That’s where counselling comes in. And more specifically, that’s where Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) can make a real, meaningful difference.

When Talking Helps—But Not About the Past

There’s this long-standing idea that therapy is about going backwards. That you need to unravel every moment of your past, uncover hidden traumas, and dissect old wounds to earn your right to feel better.

But not everyone wants or needs that.

Sometimes, you’re not looking to be unravelled. You’re looking for clarity, momentum, or simply a sense that you’re heading in the right direction again. You’re not necessarily in crisis—you just don’t want to stay stuck.

That’s where Solution-Focused Therapy comes into its own. It’s a modern approach to counselling that asks: what would life look like if things felt even slightly better? Then it helps you get there—step by step.

What Is Solution-Focused Therapy?

Solution-Focused Therapy is a short-term, strengths-based approach to counselling. Developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the 1980s, it flips the traditional problem-focused model on its head.

Rather than spending time digging into why something’s wrong, we focus on what you want instead—and what’s already working, even in small, subtle ways.

SFT is based on a simple but powerful idea:

You already hold the tools for change—sometimes you just need help recognising them.

We look at your goals, values, and the times you’ve coped better, even briefly. Then we build from that foundation, creating a clear path forward that’s shaped by you, not your problems.

What Happens in a Solution-Focused Counselling Session?

If you're imagining hours of deep soul-diving and emotional excavation, you can take a breath. Solution-Focused Therapy is gentler—not because it avoids the hard stuff, but because it doesn’t make the hard stuff the main character.

Instead, you and I will sit down and explore:

• What’s been feeling off lately?

• What would things look like if they improved?

• When was the last time you felt a little more like yourself?

• What helped, even a little?

We’ll talk through those moments—not to romanticise the past, but to find the strategies and strengths that are still available to you now. And we’ll use them to take practical, values-aligned steps toward the life you want.

It’s counselling that feels like forward motion. That’s why people love it. It just kinda fits with everyday life.

What Kind of Problems Is SFT Useful For?

You don’t need to be in the middle of a crisis for Solution-Focused Therapy to help. In fact, it’s often most helpful in those in-between moments—when things are technically “fine,” but nothing feels particularly fulfilling.

Maybe you’ve lost motivation but can’t explain why.
Maybe you’re exhausted, overstretched, and quietly burning out.
Maybe a relationship feels disconnected, and you don’t know how to fix it.
Maybe you’re just tired of holding it all together.

SFT helps you tap into your strengths and regain direction—without needing to rehash everything that got you here.

Counselling vs. Psychology—Which One’s Right for You?

This is a really common question, and it’s worth unpacking.

In Australia, psychologists are registered professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses. They often work with complex or clinical issues—like severe anxiety, trauma, OCD, or depression—and may use specific modalities like CBT or EMDR. If you're struggling with something intense or long-standing, that may be the best fit.

Counsellors, like me, support people through the challenges of everyday life—identity shifts, burnout, transitions, low mood, relationship difficulties, parenting, or simply feeling stuck. It’s about developing awareness, building tools, and reconnecting with what matters most.

There’s no diagnosis, no judgment—just a collaborative space where you can speak freely and move forward on your own terms.

Why I Use Solution-Focused Therapy in My Practice

I use SFT because I believe in meeting people where they are—not where they “should” be.
I believe that growth doesn’t always have to come from digging into pain; sometimes it comes from recognising your power, your preferences, and your potential.

This approach is compassionate but practical.
It doesn’t waste time—and it doesn’t push you to go deeper than you’re ready to.
It’s about creating forward momentum—one small, doable shift at a time.

Because sometimes that’s all you need: someone in your corner, helping you take that next right step.

If You’re Feeling Stuck, This Is Your Sign

You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You don’t need a diagnosis, a breakdown, or a crisis to justify asking for help.
You just have to be willing to start—from exactly where you are.

Counselling is about you. Your story. Your next chapter.

And if you’re ready to turn the page, I’d love to walk alongside you.

Rach xx

I'm Rachel

A certified counsellor and life coach!

As a counsellor & reformer Pilates instructor, I work daily with women on their minds and bodies. I know from personal experience we are not alone in our struggles. There are common grounds, shared experiences, and definitely a way to move forward.

Enjoy the blog; I've designed it to be relatable.

Counselling for Women

For counselling services contact

Let's Connect

Instagram let's me inspire daily while LinkedIn helps me teach!

Just a single Mumma from Adelaide who cares how you live your life.

Let's connect & inspire each other.