A solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) intervention model to facilitate hope and subjective well-being among trauma survivors

Abstract

There are increasing calls for brief, strength-based trauma interventions. We propose a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) intervention model that may facilitate hope and subjective well-being among trauma survivors. Based on our research among South African trauma survivors, the proposed model, “Journey of Possibilities”, focuses on eliciting clients’ desired outcome, describing the presence of their desired outcome, and utilising clients’ resources to move towards the desired outcome. It is distinct from other SFBT models, as it explicitly identifies the therapeutic relationship and collaborative language process as essential components of building hope and subjective well-being. Strength- and resource-orientated questions, especially relational questions, are also highlighted. We suggest that the model has the potential to facilitate hope and subjective well-being among trauma survivors and may inform psychological practice in the context of trauma.