brieftherapy

Brief therapy is a category of psychotherapeutic approaches designed to bring about meaningful change in a limited number of sessions. Rather than exploring broad underlying narratives at length, brief therapy emphasizes targeted problem resolution, concrete goals, and rapid symptom relief. It comprises several distinct modalities united by the principle of time-limited intervention.

Historically, formal brief therapy emerged in the 1960s and 1970s within the family therapy and clinical psychology communities. Early work at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto helped define focus on present problems and observable change. In the 1980s, the evolution of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg popularized a practical, goal-driven stance that remains influential.

Core concepts commonly include: defining a specific, measurable goal; identifying exceptions to the problem; using scaling questions to gauge change; and guiding clients toward practical steps or "homework." Therapists often steer conversations toward strengths, resources, and possible solutions rather than extensive causal analysis. Sessions are structured around a clear plan and a plan for carrying progress beyond the therapeutic setting.

Applications cover a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, family conflicts, behavioral problems in children, and adjustment difficulties. The evidence base varies by modality and condition; some brief therapies show comparable effectiveness to longer therapies for specific problems, with the advantage of lower cost and time commitment. Efficacy largely depends on therapist skill and client engagement.

Critics argue that brief therapy may overlook deeper or chronic issues and may be ill-suited for complex trauma or personality disorders. It requires strong alliance, precise goal-setting, and flexibility from the therapist. As with any therapeutic approach, suitability should be assessed case by case.

Related approaches include Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and other time-limited forms of family therapy, strategic therapy, and brief cognitive-behavioral interventions.