Solution Focused Counselling
The Solution Focused approach is about what you want going forward (rather than where you have been) - I will ask you what your Best Hopes are from our conversation. From there I will ask questions that amplify your strengths and resources - things that have worked before, even a bit or for a moment - and discover ways to amplify these as you move forward.
So, what are your best hopes?
If your problems or issues that bring you to counselling went away how would life be different?
As things improve what would you notice?
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a therapeutic approach that was developed by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and their colleagues in the 1980’s. SFBT is an evidence-based approach that is effective at helping clients from any background and with various presenting problems. SFBT is a radical approach to helping clients that asks clients to focus their attention on the future they would like to design and create rather than continuing to focus on other problem-related concerns.
This language-based approach encourages therapists to view each client as resourceful and competent, while they co-construct (work with) their clients to move forward into the life they would like to live. SFBT professionals ask detail-oriented questions that get clients thinking in new and more adaptive ways. After engaging in change-oriented conversations many clients report feeling warmly understood and empowered to use their agency and autonomy to make necessary changes in their lives that are in line with their desired outcome from therapy.
This respectful and collaborative approach doesn’t further traumatize clients or require them to wade through heartache and pain. Instead, SFBT helps clients expand their vision of who they are and what they are capable of accomplishing.
Dr Adam Froerer - Director of Research & Training
What people have said
From the participants, when asked, “what would you say to someone thinking about coming on a workshop like this?”
"Very worthwhile"... "Do it. We need more positivity in the world"... "Very beneficial and thought provoking"... "Definitely useful for groups and 1 to 1"... "Definitely come. Well worthwhile"... "Very worthwhile & insightful"... "Interesting workshop with lots of great takeaway messages"... "Something for everyone"... "Go for it. Life changing"... "Very useful as a teacher and a parent"... "Well presented - good - helpful"... “I love Matt’s infectious enthusiasm”
In an email the day after a workshop... April 2022
Morena Matt
Thank you soooooo much again for yesterday!
Ari and I took so many amazing positive tools away with us.
This morning I asked my team what exciting things they have ahead in their day and what they are most looking forward too - rather than just saying the usual good morning.
Today I woke up as my best self - waking up earlier and reflecting on the strategies we learned yesterday.
I sat with my whanau last night with the Strength/Value cards, and we all picked 4 cards each to give to each other. It was such a fun activity to do altogether.
I look forward to bringing your strategies and tools to our clients and Tamariki on our program.
What a wonderful group of souls yesterday.
Keep being you Matt. You’re a true inspiration, thank you for your knowledge and time.
Nga mihi maioha
Alana
In an email sent after a workshop in Wellington... October 2022
I would like to thank you for coming to our recent workshop on Solution Focused Conversations with Matt Cameron. I find that Matt has a relaxed way of helping us to see a conversation rather from a problem perspective but a solution perspective. It is a whole turn around in thinking that helps people actually begin to see themselves and their situation from a whole new angle.
And in response someone wrote back saying...
yes I can confirm I got a lot out of Matt's seminar. What a cool dude he was and not once did he talk above my head. Such a practical, down to earth approach. I related well to his manner of presenting. I look forward to attending another seminar in the future.
January 2023 Workshops- Feedback
Dr JD Holtzhausen (DNSc; NZRN) Quality and Risk Coordinator / Kairuruku nēhi me kouka me te mōrea
I thought I will pop you a quick email to provide some feedback on the SF workshop presented on 20 Jan 2023. To be honest, I did not know what to expect having received the invitation.
However, I must admit that this workshop is probably the best workshop I have attended in a few years. I often attend this kind of workshop for my work in healthcare, but I have rarely heard such a fresh perspective on problems....that being to focus on the solutions.
I have spoken to my teammates at the hospital about SF, and the only question was, "When is the next workshop?"
Jason Shaw (English teacher for over 30 years) - Online workshop 27th January 2023
Thank you so much Matt for what was one of the best workshops I have attended, and definitely the best online workshop I've been involved in.
Thank you for all the work you did to make this successful for us all.
July 2025 Workshop- Feedback (1-day workshop in Invercargill)
Kia ora Matt,
Thanks so much for such the abundance of resources you have sent through, I will certainly be investing to continuing to learn about this by digging into them.
This morning I decided to see some solution-focused approach on myself and wanted to share with you the amazing results. Just to give you a little background, the challenge I was struggling with was that I have always loved training physically, doing running and swimming events and pushing myself. Three years ago I developed rheumatoid arthritis and I can no longer train in the same way or compete at all.
This morning I asked myself the miracle question and starting listing the things I would notice and my husband would notice if I could celebrate and enjoy the exercise I can do now without feeling the ongoing sadness of what I had lost. It was amazing! I soon realised how good it would be to celebrate my training now and enjoy it and celebrate my improvements and focus on the what I was doing now without the heaviness of comparing with the past and mourning what I didn’t have. I had known I should do that, but going through this exercise showed me that I actually wanted to do that, I wanted to enjoy my exercise now. I instantly felt joy and excitement come back about my exercising, motivation increased and I was free from all the sadness. I know I have said amazing twice already, but it really is amazing! The need to mourn and wallow is no longer there
“Matt has presented several outstanding workshops on grief, resilience and solution focussed discussions in our rest home and hospital facility. Our staff have left laughing and talking long after he has left. Matt’s interactive workshops are always popular and challenge us to love ourselves and to love others. He has become an integral part of our yearly education diary.”
Diane Turner
Facility Manager, Lister Rest Home and Hospital (2021)
“I’ve had the pleasure of attending one of Matt’s workshops and after this inviting him to come and lead one at our school. The content and delivery of Matt’s Solution-Focused workshops is excellent and informative. His delivery is well paced and he encourages and inspires participants to make use of powerful new ways of working with and relating to others. I would recommend Matt and the Solution-Focused way of working to others. It has made a difference at our place.”
Mark Creba
Principal – Pleasant Point Primary School (2021)
From a 1 to 1 client dealing with grief issues and after the first session (in a text confirming a second session) - March 2022
"Thank you. See you then. The day after I saw you I had the windows down singing while I was going to work. I've felt a lot better and have felt like a lot of weight has lifted off my shoulders. (Singing while work also)"
I was his third counsellor in three months...
From a 1 to 1 client dealing with anger issues (14-year-old boy - with permission - December 2023)
"I like talking to you because you don't focus on the past problems that brought me here but you help me look at what I can be in the future..."
What is Solution Focused?