Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

Photo of Vanessa Hernandez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vanessa Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
My name is Vanessa Hernandez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orange County, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of presenting concerns. I specialize in anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, ADHD, and relationship issues using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution Focused, and Person-centered Therapy to empower my clients to make lasting and meaningful changes.
My name is Vanessa Hernandez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orange County, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of presenting concerns. I specialize in anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, ADHD, and relationship issues using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution Focused, and Person-centered Therapy to empower my clients to make lasting and meaningful changes.
(831) 217-6570 View (831) 217-6570
Photo of Melissa Lehrich, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Lehrich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hello, my name is Melissa Lehrich, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have an admiration for those who seek to heal and create a more meaningful life, My focus is to help individuals find peace in themselves and become aware of their inner strengths. We will work together to help you grow from your struggles, increase your quality of life and move forward to where you would like to be. My treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
Hello, my name is Melissa Lehrich, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have an admiration for those who seek to heal and create a more meaningful life, My focus is to help individuals find peace in themselves and become aware of their inner strengths. We will work together to help you grow from your struggles, increase your quality of life and move forward to where you would like to be. My treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
(831) 850-0838 View (831) 850-0838
Photo of Marisa Abzug, MA, LMFT, CPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marisa Abzug
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I also am a Certified Professional Coach and utilize these skills in my Solution Focused Style.
Are you doing well yet know you could be doing better? Do you often feel like you are juggling too many things and don´t have time to breath? If you identify as this person, I am here to help you manage your life! Many people think therapy is only for people who are ¨dysfunctional¨. This is a thing of the past! Everyone can benefit from someone to help them live their best lives while finding inner and outer peace. What would it be like to be able to say ¨no¨ more? To be able to really say ¨yes¨ with enthusiasm and intention? Let me help you get there!
I also am a Certified Professional Coach and utilize these skills in my Solution Focused Style.
Are you doing well yet know you could be doing better? Do you often feel like you are juggling too many things and don´t have time to breath? If you identify as this person, I am here to help you manage your life! Many people think therapy is only for people who are ¨dysfunctional¨. This is a thing of the past! Everyone can benefit from someone to help them live their best lives while finding inner and outer peace. What would it be like to be able to say ¨no¨ more? To be able to really say ¨yes¨ with enthusiasm and intention? Let me help you get there!
(831) 272-7956 View (831) 272-7956
Photo of Ceila Aguilar, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ceila Aguilar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I am a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist that specialize in depression, managing self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, self-esteem, divorce, sexual abuse, interpersonal violence/domestic violence, educational issues and coping skills to manage stress. The theoretical approaches I use in my practice include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Behavioral Therapy. I have over 7 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. In my clinical practice I place importance in empowering clients to find their own strength
I am a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist that specialize in depression, managing self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, self-esteem, divorce, sexual abuse, interpersonal violence/domestic violence, educational issues and coping skills to manage stress. The theoretical approaches I use in my practice include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Behavioral Therapy. I have over 7 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. In my clinical practice I place importance in empowering clients to find their own strength
(831) 661-9615 View (831) 661-9615
Photo of Janer Muelle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janer Muelle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060  (Online Only)
My name is Janer, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working in the acute medical setting. My approach is client-focused on the goals you would like to achieve in our time together. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, interpersonal relationships, and changes in life events. We will work together to develop goals on how to navigate life challenges you're experiencing and encourage empowerment and self-reflection through the process. I utilize CBT, solution-focused, and motivational interviewing interchangeably.
My name is Janer, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working in the acute medical setting. My approach is client-focused on the goals you would like to achieve in our time together. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, interpersonal relationships, and changes in life events. We will work together to develop goals on how to navigate life challenges you're experiencing and encourage empowerment and self-reflection through the process. I utilize CBT, solution-focused, and motivational interviewing interchangeably.
(831) 888-0822 View (831) 888-0822
Photo of Haruna Matsusaka, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Haruna Matsusaka
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I also use CBT in conjunction with more empowering Solution Focused & Narrative Therapies to help you rewrite your story through your own perspective.
If you're feeling out of alignment with your true self, my hope is to be a guiding light for your journey back home. We're constantly inundated with messages about who we should be and what we should prioritize, but what others expect of us doesn't always align with our desires. In fact, some people prefer that we neglect our inner experiences, emotions, and needs. Particularly for those of us who have been silenced or marginalized, we've faced powerful obstacles to connecting, loving, and honoring our true selves. My aspiration is to help you become a loving protector and nurturer for you and rekindle your relationship with you.
I also use CBT in conjunction with more empowering Solution Focused & Narrative Therapies to help you rewrite your story through your own perspective.
If you're feeling out of alignment with your true self, my hope is to be a guiding light for your journey back home. We're constantly inundated with messages about who we should be and what we should prioritize, but what others expect of us doesn't always align with our desires. In fact, some people prefer that we neglect our inner experiences, emotions, and needs. Particularly for those of us who have been silenced or marginalized, we've faced powerful obstacles to connecting, loving, and honoring our true selves. My aspiration is to help you become a loving protector and nurturer for you and rekindle your relationship with you.
(408) 872-8541 View (408) 872-8541
Photo of Rebecca Zulim, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rebecca Zulim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Feeling anxious or worried? Too busy for therapy during the work week? I'm available for Friday afternoon and Sunday appointments. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, reduce stress levels, and lead richer, fuller lives. I am an interactive, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapist. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
Feeling anxious or worried? Too busy for therapy during the work week? I'm available for Friday afternoon and Sunday appointments. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, reduce stress levels, and lead richer, fuller lives. I am an interactive, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapist. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
(831) 245-3983 View (831) 245-3983
Photo of LaVina Ellison, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
LaVina Ellison
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The most common theoretical approaches I use are CBT, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic, and Client-Centered.
My name is Lavina Ellison. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. 138663. I typically work with clients dealing with Relationship issues, grief, behavior issues, depression, trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I tend to thrive with clients dealing with depression, trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I offer a non-judgmental space to aid in my clients feeling like they can be themselves and keep it real in session. I am very compassionate and utilize active listening to help clients feel heard and supported. I am also quite direct at times to help my clients challenge and move past therapeutic roadblocks.
The most common theoretical approaches I use are CBT, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic, and Client-Centered.
My name is Lavina Ellison. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. 138663. I typically work with clients dealing with Relationship issues, grief, behavior issues, depression, trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I tend to thrive with clients dealing with depression, trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I offer a non-judgmental space to aid in my clients feeling like they can be themselves and keep it real in session. I am very compassionate and utilize active listening to help clients feel heard and supported. I am also quite direct at times to help my clients challenge and move past therapeutic roadblocks.
(951) 262-4598 View (951) 262-4598
Photo of River Krimmer, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
River Krimmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Some may include aspects Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused, Experiential Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy to create opportunities for healthier communication, personal growth, learning and integration.
If you are reading this, you having been wanting things to be different. You ARE on the path to change! You ARE ready to feel better, do better and stop settling for mediocre. Whether it's learning, healing, feeling, speaking or listening, you can grow through this. Learn how to increase the connection with yourself, intimate partner, family and friends and find the support that you need. If you are or have been afraid, learn how fear can be overcome by practicing strategic action and utilizing growth mindset strategies.
Some may include aspects Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused, Experiential Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy to create opportunities for healthier communication, personal growth, learning and integration.
If you are reading this, you having been wanting things to be different. You ARE on the path to change! You ARE ready to feel better, do better and stop settling for mediocre. Whether it's learning, healing, feeling, speaking or listening, you can grow through this. Learn how to increase the connection with yourself, intimate partner, family and friends and find the support that you need. If you are or have been afraid, learn how fear can be overcome by practicing strategic action and utilizing growth mindset strategies.
(831) 704-8795 View (831) 704-8795
Photo of Cassia Bloom, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cassia Bloom
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I am a compassionate, professional psychotherapist with an individualized way of treating each client. I believe each person has the strength inside themselves for change and healing. It is my role to identify your personal style and help you find the clarity you need to make necessary life changes. In doing so I utilize many theoretical approaches including; psychodynamic, existential/humanistic, solution focused and cognitive behavioral.
I am a compassionate, professional psychotherapist with an individualized way of treating each client. I believe each person has the strength inside themselves for change and healing. It is my role to identify your personal style and help you find the clarity you need to make necessary life changes. In doing so I utilize many theoretical approaches including; psychodynamic, existential/humanistic, solution focused and cognitive behavioral.
(831) 234-2010 View (831) 234-2010
Photo of Lance Bauscher, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lance Bauscher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I am a strength-based psychotherapist committed to the unique process of each client and each therapeutic moment. I work with a balanced approach between a solution-focused, positive psychology and the deeper work of existential, psychodynamic or mindfulness-based interventions. I specialize in life and developmental transitions where symptoms such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or triggered trauma increase in intensity and frequency and threaten that which we cherish. But I view the nagging presence and awareness of our problems as proof that we are ready and capable of dealing with them.
I am a strength-based psychotherapist committed to the unique process of each client and each therapeutic moment. I work with a balanced approach between a solution-focused, positive psychology and the deeper work of existential, psychodynamic or mindfulness-based interventions. I specialize in life and developmental transitions where symptoms such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or triggered trauma increase in intensity and frequency and threaten that which we cherish. But I view the nagging presence and awareness of our problems as proof that we are ready and capable of dealing with them.
(831) 498-9756 View (831) 498-9756
Photo of Cynthia Nollenberger, MA, LMFT, RAS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia Nollenberger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RAS
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
All of us struggle at times in our lives and need extra suppport. I offer a warm and nurturing enviornment to support healing and growth. I work with a variety of modalities including Cognative Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, along with depth work modalities such as Object Relations Therapy. I help people deal with issues in relationships, addictions, self esteem, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, anger and adjustment, along with a variety of other issues. I work with families, couples and individuals, including adolesents and children. Please feel free to call me to discuss your specific needs.
All of us struggle at times in our lives and need extra suppport. I offer a warm and nurturing enviornment to support healing and growth. I work with a variety of modalities including Cognative Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, along with depth work modalities such as Object Relations Therapy. I help people deal with issues in relationships, addictions, self esteem, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, anger and adjustment, along with a variety of other issues. I work with families, couples and individuals, including adolesents and children. Please feel free to call me to discuss your specific needs.
(831) 298-5835 View (831) 298-5835
Photo of Julie Carboni, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Carboni
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062  (Online Only)
I work in the Internal Family Systems model, CBT, and Solution Focused modalities.
My approach is to help clients right where they are at and assist them on a path toward wholeness. I work with individuals, and families. Some of my specialties are treating anxiety, grief, depression, life's stressors, parenting, spiritual abuse, PTSD, and molest/abuse.
I work in the Internal Family Systems model, CBT, and Solution Focused modalities.
My approach is to help clients right where they are at and assist them on a path toward wholeness. I work with individuals, and families. Some of my specialties are treating anxiety, grief, depression, life's stressors, parenting, spiritual abuse, PTSD, and molest/abuse.
(408) 320-0201 View (408) 320-0201
Photo of Lesa M Pascali, Lesa Pascali, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lesa M Pascali
Marriage & Family Therapist, Lesa Pascali, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95063  (Online Only)
Welcome! I’m Lesa Pascali and I am committed to connecting with individuals, couples and families through individualized therapy and to helping them to discover/rediscover the harmony, meaning and wellness within their lives. After 23 years in law enforcement and 18 years doing therapy, I have dealt with a variety of situations. I’ve worked with individuals, couples and families, veterans, ex-offenders, children, teens and neurologically imbalanced individuals. I use a variety of therapies including RLT therapy, CBT & Solution Focused therapy and am a Certified Relational Life couples therapist.
Welcome! I’m Lesa Pascali and I am committed to connecting with individuals, couples and families through individualized therapy and to helping them to discover/rediscover the harmony, meaning and wellness within their lives. After 23 years in law enforcement and 18 years doing therapy, I have dealt with a variety of situations. I’ve worked with individuals, couples and families, veterans, ex-offenders, children, teens and neurologically imbalanced individuals. I use a variety of therapies including RLT therapy, CBT & Solution Focused therapy and am a Certified Relational Life couples therapist.
(408) 715-3046 View (408) 715-3046
Photo of Heather Rodriguez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heather Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Welcome! My name is Heather Rodriguez, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with teens, at-risk youth, adults, parents, and families. I help with issues like Depression, Anxiety, Sexual abuse/trauma, Sexual Identity, Stress, Grief, Trauma, Relationships, Self-Harm, and Coping Skills. I incorporate many modalities including Crisis Intervention, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I recognize that seeking therapy is a difficult decision, and I am proud of you for taking the first step!
Welcome! My name is Heather Rodriguez, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with teens, at-risk youth, adults, parents, and families. I help with issues like Depression, Anxiety, Sexual abuse/trauma, Sexual Identity, Stress, Grief, Trauma, Relationships, Self-Harm, and Coping Skills. I incorporate many modalities including Crisis Intervention, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I recognize that seeking therapy is a difficult decision, and I am proud of you for taking the first step!
(323) 370-0976 View (323) 370-0976
Photo of Amber Flowers, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amber Flowers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060  (Online Only)
Hello! I am Amber Flowers and I have been practicing in the mental health field for the last 8 years. A large amount of my experience has been working with youth in crisis and family stabilization. I have experience in working with groups on parenting, substance use and anxiety classes. I see a wide range of clients, some are more solution focused and want to build skills, while others want to find a deeper connection to their inner beliefs and how it affects their actions.
Hello! I am Amber Flowers and I have been practicing in the mental health field for the last 8 years. A large amount of my experience has been working with youth in crisis and family stabilization. I have experience in working with groups on parenting, substance use and anxiety classes. I see a wide range of clients, some are more solution focused and want to build skills, while others want to find a deeper connection to their inner beliefs and how it affects their actions.
(831) 298-8297 View (831) 298-8297
Photo of Kaivalya Kerr, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kaivalya Kerr
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Thank you for reaching out and trusting me in the first step of your healing journey. This may not be easy at times, but we will take this journey together. I like to utilize a strength-based approach in therapy while incorporating modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Post-Modern/Solution Focused Therapy, Relaxation and Mindfulness techniques, etc. I also like to focus on both insight building and skill building, helping clients be co-participants in their treatment. Life is ever changing. Circumstances arise, stressors emerge, relationships are tested, and we are asked to adapt, cope and push forward.
Thank you for reaching out and trusting me in the first step of your healing journey. This may not be easy at times, but we will take this journey together. I like to utilize a strength-based approach in therapy while incorporating modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Post-Modern/Solution Focused Therapy, Relaxation and Mindfulness techniques, etc. I also like to focus on both insight building and skill building, helping clients be co-participants in their treatment. Life is ever changing. Circumstances arise, stressors emerge, relationships are tested, and we are asked to adapt, cope and push forward.
(858) 923-4425 View (858) 923-4425
Photo of Jacqueline DeLuca, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jacqueline DeLuca
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
My name is Jacqueline DeLuca and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, California. I currently work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, and depression, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Strength Based approaches. My focus is aimed towards helping each individual client make progress toward the goals they set during our sessions that can improve their overall satisfaction in life.
My name is Jacqueline DeLuca and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, California. I currently work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, and depression, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Strength Based approaches. My focus is aimed towards helping each individual client make progress toward the goals they set during our sessions that can improve their overall satisfaction in life.
(714) 947-4605 View (714) 947-4605
Photo of Julie Tatowicz - Coast to Coast LCSW Pllc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Coast to Coast LCSW Pllc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hello my name is Julie Tatowicz and I am the owner of Coast to Coast LCSW Pllc. Reaching out for help is difficult, but you have already taken the first step. My goal is to make people feel comfortable and create an environment where people can feel heard and not judged. As a therapist I will help you formulate goals and work toward them. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I try to help clients stay focused on the here and now, rather than getting stuck in the "whys" or the "what ifs." No matter what you're going through I want you to feel supported and empowered.
Hello my name is Julie Tatowicz and I am the owner of Coast to Coast LCSW Pllc. Reaching out for help is difficult, but you have already taken the first step. My goal is to make people feel comfortable and create an environment where people can feel heard and not judged. As a therapist I will help you formulate goals and work toward them. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I try to help clients stay focused on the here and now, rather than getting stuck in the "whys" or the "what ifs." No matter what you're going through I want you to feel supported and empowered.
(607) 300-5472 View (607) 300-5472
Photo of Yoselin Ortiz-Luna, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Yoselin Ortiz-Luna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Hello my name is Yoselin Ortiz-Luna, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked with children, teen, adults and families. I've helped clients experiencing depression, anxiety, anger and behavioral issues, oppositional defiance, family conflict, life transitions, parenting, self-esteem and women's issues. Psychotherapy is a process in which a therapist and client can explore many areas of life, with the purpose of working towards positive change. I provide a strength-based, interculturally competent, and person centered approach using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution focused and attachment based therapy.
Hello my name is Yoselin Ortiz-Luna, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked with children, teen, adults and families. I've helped clients experiencing depression, anxiety, anger and behavioral issues, oppositional defiance, family conflict, life transitions, parenting, self-esteem and women's issues. Psychotherapy is a process in which a therapist and client can explore many areas of life, with the purpose of working towards positive change. I provide a strength-based, interculturally competent, and person centered approach using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution focused and attachment based therapy.
(510) 726-6878 View (510) 726-6878
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Therapists

How does solution-focused therapy work?

The treatment works by helping a client notice which behaviors and thoughts have positive results on their lives and building a plan around how to maximise these strengths. Practitioners of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) believe that individuals already have the experience, wisdom, and resilience to create change in their lives, but may need a guide to help them realise which changes to make and how to make them.

Is solution-focused brief therapy evidence-based?

Yes. Solution-focused brief therapy has been extensively studied, and researchers find strong evidence that it’s an effective treatment for many behavioral and psychological concerns. This may be due to the uplifting nature and practicality of the treatment, which allows patients to employ strategies to reach their goals that are incremental and achievable.

How long does solution-focused brief therapy last?

Solution-focused brief therapy, as the name implies, is brief. The timeline may vary from person to person, given the challenges they face and their situation in life, but treatment is typically complete within four to eight sessions. This therapy type is a pragmatic one: it’s concerned more with “how” problems can be addressed and improved than getting to the root of “why” they exist in the first place.

Is solution-focused brief therapy a type of cognitive behavioral therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy is related to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)in that both are pragmatic approaches that deal less with gaining a full understanding of the cause of a mental health problem and more with creating plans for how to cope with these problems and improve an individual’s day-to-day life. They are distinct, however, in that SFBT emphasises building on strengths and resources, while CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors.