Narrative Therapy & SFBT

Dr Kirsty Hildebrandt has been trained in both Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). She has spent many years practicing these therapies. Narrative Therapy and SFBT are somewhat similar forms of counselling developed from the 1970’s. They share a focus on personal agency, empowerment, improving identity or self-esteem, and finding solutions to current challenges. Both view the client as ‘the expert’ and very active in the process of improvement. Traditionally, they are not strategy-based therapies (the therapist does not teach new strategies) and so can seem more like talking about yourself and your current issues. Many therapists now combine Narrative Therapy or SFBT with more strategy-based therapies such as CBT. This is Kirsty’s approach. She has found these approaches particularly useful with young people and young adults.

Evidence for SFBT and Narrative Therapy is emerging. Research has found SFBT helpful for children, adolescents and adults, and in the treatment of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and behavioural problems. Narrative Therapy is considered particularly helpful in marginalised, minority or culturally diverse peoples.

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