Implementing solution-focused brief therapy to facilitate hope and subjective well-being among South African trauma survivors : a case study

Abstract

Positive psychology interventions have been shown to improve well-being in various contexts. However, few studies have explored the use of these approaches in clinical settings. Considering the high prevalence of trauma and the pressure on public mental health services in South Africa, this study implemented and described solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) with South African trauma survivors in order to explore their experiences of hope and subjective well-being (SWB), during and after exposure to SFBT. Using a multiple case study design, qualitative data were collected from therapeutic sessions and semi-structured individual interviews with seven black female participants. Following thematic analysis, results indicated that SFBT contributed towards participants’ experiences of hope and SWB. In particular, the therapeutic conversation, empathy and acceptance in therapy, visualising a better future and focusing on strengths instead of the trauma facilitated these experiences. SFBT may thus be an appropriate intervention to facilitate hope and SWB among trauma survivors.