Solution-focused therapy / SFB-A16-1
Setback as Information — Concept brief
Understand the idea behind setback as information and consider whether it fits your context.
8 minutes · Handout · Adults; supported use as appropriate
Fictional example: Devin's morning routine became harder when transport changed.
Use an ordinary or fictional example, with a clinician when appropriate. A difficult day can inform the plan without erasing earlier progress.
The idea
A difficult day can inform the plan without erasing earlier progress.
An ordinary example
Devin's morning routine became harder when transport changed.
What this can look like
Compare a setback with a better day, identifying changed conditions and retained resources.
Check the fit
Which condition changed, and what still helps? You may disagree with the framing, use fiction, or decide that this approach is not useful today.
A useful distinction
A preferred future can include advocacy, accommodations, and external change; optimism is not required.
Prompts for this resource
- What part of this idea makes sense to me?
- Which condition changed, and what still helps?
Conceptual background
What is Solution-Focused Therapy? — Solution-Focused Therapy Institute
Background on the approach only. Original exercises and wording are by More Than Therapy with AI assistance; the source does not validate or endorse these materials.