The Solution Focused Brief Therapy Diamond: A New Approach to SFBT That Will Empower Both Practitioner and Client to Achievethe Best Outcomes

by Elliott E. Connie, Adam S. Froerer

A guide for clinicians (both beginner or seasoned professional) to understand the philosophy and practical steps of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to maximize their effectiveness with any client, written by two respected and innovative experts in the field.

Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the client’s hoped-for future instead of their ongoing problems. Elliott E. Connie and Adam S. Froerer are the founders of The Solution Focused Universe and are two of the most respected and innovative experts in their field. Together, they have developed the Diamond model—a framework of SFBT skills and tools designed to guide a clinician through each session of therapy—which is one of the biggest innovations in the field of solution focused brief therapy.

This is a practical guide for any clinician (beginner or seasoned professional) to understand the philosophy and practical steps of conducting an SFBT session. Among the topics

How to presuppose the best in your client How to trust your client’s capabilityThe stance clinicians should adopt to be effective solution focused practitionersThe art of asking meaningful questionsThe importance of autonomy
This book also includes tools to help practitioners implement this approach, including a complete SFBT session with editorial comments that illustrate the thinking that goes into constructing a session, as well as 101 solution focused questions that practitioners can use.

Connie and Froerer see their Diamond model as life-changing for all parties involved. They write, “This work is transformative not only for clients but also for you. When you view your clients as capable and strong, it changes you—and how you do your job. Your perceptions directly impact your actions.”

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Social Work

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2023

About the author

Elliott E. Connie, MA (Professional Counseling, Texas Wesleyan University, 2006) LPC, is a psychotherapist who practices in Keller, Texas. He is the founder and Director of The Solution Focused Universe, an online learning community that also conducts trainings to help professionals master the Solution Focused Approach in their work.

Reviews

[Caleb Clingan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first introduced to the Diamond model at a training last year with Elliott. As a therapist, I had been practicing SFBT often with my clients, but I viewed the questions and scaling as tools in my tool belt and not as an entire approach. This model immediately transformed my practice. I’ve been exclusively practicing the Diamond model with my clients for about 7 months now and I have seen the most progress with my clients I’ve ever seen. My clients are happier and more empowered. I feel more confident and skillful as a therapist. This book further dives into the model and approach. It’s a wonderful deep dive into the philosophy of the Diamond model and into the practical ways to conduct sessions. I’ve recommended this book to every therapist I know, but honestly I believe any HUMAN has a lot to gain from this book.

[Catherine Ottley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly really enjoyed this and its clarity regarding what a SFBT session should look like. I’m not completely bought in to the approach as a whole, I see this theory in a new light and love the way it can play to clients strengths and assume their capability to change.

[Mad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful diagram of the diamond approach.
Case studies to reflect on.
They suggest not assessing the person or using scaling questions as a ladder.
They suggest not giving homework to clients.
They have a focus toward the end on what questions not to ask.
They seem to focus on the person's desired outcome and wording everything in a way that makes the person feel good about themselves, not that they are pleasing you/others. E.g., instead of saying that someone looks nice, you could ask how they got so good at choosing their outfits, etc.
Focus on what the desired difference will feel like to the person.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing explanation of the SFBT model in its current inception. I has given me such a better perspective on psychotherapy in general, and how important is to be able to lead meaningful conversations, and turn strengths and healing as their lives' new narrative. I feel it will have important implications in the future of psychology, as it may maximize the preparation, intention setting, and integration of transpersonal modalities such as psychedelic therapy, sandplay therapy, and Holotropic Breathwork. Having more solution focused conversations can also totally shift how you view yourself and how others view themselves.

[Ulla Bravo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for people want to harness their skills in SFBT. I will say though some of the comments around substance use on part of the authors about clients they were working with were pretty judgemental and not to my taste.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book on how to implement SFBT using the diamond model. There was a lot of narrative in here about the authors and their lives, however, I enjoyed this because it helped to break up some of the theory in this book. Would recommend.

[Julia Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful approach to therapy. Elliott and Adam are two very remarkable humans who has communicated this transformative therapeutic approach beautifully. I’m looking forward to implementing these ideologies into my work moving forward.

[Anna Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole concept of solution focused therapy revolutionised my point of view on therapy. I finally found something that speaks to me and make the biggest sense … the book is written in such a reader-friendly way, that, unlike normal text books, I could take in much more that I would normally.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, inspirational look into SFBT and the new ideas it brings forth. I will certainly be utilizing tools and insights into my own work.

[Aurora Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este es el libro más útil que puede leer cualquier psicoterapeuta. Para todo psicoterapeuta que le interese en verdad ayudar a sus clientes.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for therapists!