18 Jun 2023

Solution-focused · Postulates

The 9 postulates of the solution-focused approach

In the solution-focused approach, the therapist's interventions must not simply match the proposed process and techniques: they must above all serve the postulates and guiding principles that make up the practitioner's stance.

The centre of gravity of this stance is made of:

not-knowing about the client;
not-knowing for the client;
not-wanting for the client;
not-having-power over the client;
the unconditional positive regard held for them;
the intention to create every condition favourable to cooperation and to the emergence of their own choice of thoughts and actions.

I go through the nine postulates that embody this stance in the video — in French — below.

How to cite this article

Besse, J. (2023, June 18). The 9 postulates of the solution-focused approach. Complexe Systémique. https://app.complexe-systemique.com/en_GB/articles/the-9-postulates-of-the-solution-focused-approach

To go further

The solution-focused approach explained simplyThe origins, convictions and six guiding principles of the SFA, presented step by step.
The 'miracle question' in solution-focused brief therapy: foundations, uses and perspectivesThe emblematic SFA tool for exploring the client's preferred future.
The scaling technique in systemic psychotherapy: a visual approach to thinking about changeA visual approach for measuring progress and thinking about change with the client.

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