Differences in Theories
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and Narrative Therapy (NT) are both postmodern therapeutic
approaches, emphasizing the influence of language and meaning-making in shaping human
experiences. While they share some similarities, there are also notable differences. Here are some
of the primary distinctions.
1.Origins and Foundations:
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT): SFT originated from the work of Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim
Berg, and their colleagues at the Milwaukee Brief Family Therapy Center in the 1980s (Lloyd,
2008). SFT was developed as a reaction to traditional problem-focused therapies, emphasizing
instead the solutions that can be co-constructed between the client and therapist.
Narrative Therapy (NT): Developed by Michael White and David Epston in the 1980s, NT draws
heavily from poststructuralist thought, especially the works of Michel Foucault. Narrative
therapists are interested in the stories people tell about their lives and how these stories shape and
define their identities.
2.Primary Focus and Goals:
SFT: The primary focus of SFT is to identify and amplify the client's strengths, resources, and
previous solutions to problems. The aim is to help the client envision a preferred future and then
work backward to identify the steps and resources needed to reach that future. It operates on the
premise that the solution is often independent of the problem's origins.
NT: Narrative Therapy is more concerned with deconstructing and re-authoring the dominant and
often problematic narratives in a person’s life. It seeks to externalize the problem, emphasizing
that the problem is the problem, not the person. The goal is to help clients identify and embrace
alternative, more empowering stories about their lives.
3.Therapeutic Techniques and Interventions:
SFT: Key techniques in SFT include using the miracle question, scaling questions, exception-
seeking questions, and complimenting. For example, the therapist might ask, “If a miracle
happened and your problem was solved overnight, how would you know it was solved when you
woke up?”
NT: Techniques in NT include externalizing conversations, re-authoring, remembering, and
therapeutic letter writing. An example of externalizing might be when a therapist says, “Tell me
about the times when you’ve been able to stand up to this ‘depression monster’ and take back
control.”
4.Role of the Therapist:
SFT: In SFT, the therapist takes on a more active and directive role, guiding the conversation
toward solutions, strengths, and resources. They actively highlight and emphasize the client's
successes and positive attributes, even minor ones.
NT: In Narrative Therapy, the therapist is seen more as a collaborator or co-author, helping the
client unpack and investigate their dominant narratives and then assisting them in crafting new,
more empowering stories. The therapist’s role is often more inquisitive and curious.
5.Duration and Scope:
SFT: Given its emphasis on solutions and building on existing resources, SFT is often brief and
focused on the present and future. It often requires fewer sessions than many other therapeutic
models.
References
Lloyd, H. (2008). More than miracles: The state of the art of Solution-focused brief therapy
Journal of Family Therapy, 30 (1), 115–116. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-
6427.2008.00419_4.x
NT: While Narrative Therapy can also be brief, its process of deconstructing dominant narratives
and then re-authoring them can sometimes be more extended. It is profoundly explorative and
might involve delving into past events and experiences more than SFT.
6.View on Problems:
SFT: Problems are seen as patterns of behavior that can be changed without necessarily
understanding their genesis. The focus is less on "why" and more on "how" to create change.
NT: Problems are viewed as narratives or stories that have become dominant in a person's life.
Larger cultural or societal narratives might influence these stories, and the aim is to help the
individual rewrite these stories more empoweringly.
In conclusion, while both Solution-Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy emerge from
postmodern thought, emphasizing the importance of language, meaning-making, and the
collaborative nature of therapy, they diverge significantly in their approaches, techniques, and
views on problems. SFT is more future-focused and solution-oriented, while NT delves into
deconstructing and re-authoring life narratives. Both offer unique ways to help individuals
navigate challenges and build more fulfilling lives.
