Solution Focused Therapy:

A Personalized Approach for Neurodiverse and Highly Sensitive Adults

In today's fast-paced world, finding effective therapeutic approaches that respect your unique neurological makeup and sensory experiences is crucial. For neurodiverse individuals, highly sensitive adults, and members of the LGBTQ+ community in Oregon and Washington, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) offers a refreshing and effective approach to mental health support via telehealth services.

This comprehensive guide explores how the solution focused approach can be tailored to address your specific needs, helping you leverage your inherent strengths while working toward meaningful change in your life.

What is Solution Focused Therapy?

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), also known as Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), is a goal-directed collaborative approach that emphasizes identifying and building solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg at the Brief Family Therapy Center, this evidence based practice revolutionized the therapeutic landscape by shifting the focus from analyzing past issues to creating positive outcomes in a client's life.

Unlike traditional therapeutic methods that might spend significant time examining historical problems, brief therapy is forward-looking and practical. It operates on the fundamental belief that you already possess the necessary strengths and resources to overcome challenges—the SFBT therapist's role is to help you uncover previous solutions and utilize these existing capabilities.

For neurodiverse adults, highly sensitive individuals, and LGBTQ+ clients, this solution focused approach can be particularly empowering, as it acknowledges and builds upon your unique perspectives and abilities rather than attempting to "fix" perceived deficits. Mental health professionals using this approach help clients identify their own strengths rather than focusing on behavioral problems.

Core Principles of Solution Focused Brief Therapy

The solution focused model is built on several key concepts and key components that make it especially valuable for individuals with diverse neurological experiences:

  • Focus on solutions rather than problems: Instead of extensively analyzing what's wrong, solution focused practices direct attention toward what's working and how to do more of it.

  • Emphasis on present and future: While acknowledging past experiences, solution focused therapy primarily focuses on current strengths and preferred future possibilities.

  • Recognition of client expertise: You are viewed as the expert in your own life, with solution focused practitioners serving as collaborative guides rather than authoritative directors.

  • Belief in rapid change: The SFBT approach holds that significant positive change can occur relatively quickly, often without needing to resolve every particular problem or underlying issue.

  • Utilization of existing resources: Instead of introducing entirely new skills, solution focused therapy helps you identify and leverage capabilities you already possess in everyday life.

These principles create a therapeutic environment particularly well-suited for neurodiverse individuals who may have developed unique coping strategies and perspectives that traditional therapy might overlook.

Key Techniques in Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Solution focused therapy employs several distinctive solution focused techniques designed to help in investigating solutions, setting achievable goals, and recognizing progress. These techniques are adaptable to various sensory sensitivities and cognitive styles, making them valuable tools for neurodiverse clients in therapy sessions.

The Miracle Question

The Miracle Question is a cornerstone technique in solution focused therapy that helps you envision your preferred future. Your therapist might ask: "Imagine that tonight, while you're sleeping, a miracle happens, and the challenges you're facing disappear. When you wake up tomorrow, what would be different? How would you know this miracle had occurred?"

For neurodiverse adults who may experience executive functioning challenges or emotional dysregulation, this question provides a concrete way to identify what life would look like without these obstacles. It helps create a clear vision of success tailored to your unique needs rather than comparing against neurotypical standards.

For example, a client with ADHD might describe a miracle as waking up and feeling calm rather than anxious about their day, being able to transition between tasks without overwhelm, or having conversations where they feel fully present rather than struggling to maintain focus.

Scaling Questions

Scaling Questions provide a concrete way to measure progress and set achievable goals. Your therapist might ask: "On a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 represents your best possible day managing executive functioning, and 1 is your most challenging day, where would you place yourself today?"

This technique is particularly helpful for neurodiverse individuals who may experience fluctuating symptoms or who benefit from clear, quantifiable markers of progress. It acknowledges that improvement often happens incrementally rather than in dramatic shifts.

After establishing your current position on the scale, your therapist might ask what moving just one point higher would look like in practical terms. This breaks down seemingly overwhelming challenges into manageable steps that honor your unique pace and capacity for change.

Exception Questions

Exception Questions help identify times when your challenges are less intense or altogether absent. Your SFBT therapist might ask: "Can you recall a time when you felt less overwhelmed by sensory stimuli? What was different about that situation?"

For highly sensitive adults, these exception questions can uncover valuable insights about environmental factors, self-care strategies, or boundary-setting techniques that have previously helped manage sensory sensitivities. By recognizing these exceptions and past successes, you can intentionally recreate conditions that support your neurological needs. This is a critical aspect of problem solving in the solution focused approach.

For instance, a highly sensitive person might realize that their sensory overwhelm diminishes when they implement regular breaks in a quiet environment, use noise-canceling headphones during certain activities, or explicitly communicate their needs to others instead of trying to mask their discomfort.

Compliments and Affirmations

Solution Focused therapists regularly offer authentic compliments and affirmations that recognize your strengths and efforts. For LGBTQ+ adults who may have experienced invalidation or judgment, these affirmations can be particularly healing.

These aren't generic platitudes but specific observations about your resilience, creativity in problem-solving, or persistence in the face of challenges. This validation can be especially meaningful for neurodiverse individuals who may have received more criticism than recognition throughout their lives.


How Solution Focused Therapy Benefits Neurodiverse Adults

Neurodiverse individuals, including those with ADHD and autism, often bring exceptional strengths alongside their challenges. Solution Focused Therapy is uniquely positioned to recognize and build upon these strengths while addressing specific needs.


Executive Function Support

For adults with ADHD or executive functioning challenges, SFT offers practical strategies to improve organization, time management, and task completion. Rather than imposing neurotypical systems that may not align with your cognitive style, SFT helps identify personalized approaches that work with your natural tendencies.

Through exception questions, you might discover that you focus best during certain times of day, in specific environments, or when using particular tools. These insights become the foundation for developing customized strategies rather than forcing adaptation to one-size-fits-all recommendations.


Building Self-Advocacy Skills

Many neurodiverse adults have spent years masking their natural tendencies or accommodating others at the expense of their own needs. SFT encourages developing healthy self-advocacy skills by clarifying personal boundaries and communication preferences.

Through solution-building conversations, you can practice articulating your needs clearly and confidently. This might involve requesting specific accommodations, establishing boundaries around social energy expenditure, or educating others about your neurological differences when appropriate.

Processing Emotional Experiences

Neurodiverse adults often experience emotions intensely and may struggle with emotional regulation. SFT provides a safe space to explore and validate these experiences while developing practical techniques for managing overwhelming feelings.

By identifying exceptions—times when you've successfully navigated emotional challenges—SFT helps uncover your existing coping mechanisms. These might include sensory regulation strategies, communication techniques, or self-compassion practices that can be intentionally employed during difficult moments.

Solution Focused Therapy for Highly Sensitive Adults

Highly sensitive adults often experience life with heightened intensity—processing sensory information deeply, reflecting thoughtfully on experiences, and feeling emotions profoundly. Solution Focused Therapy offers valuable support for navigating life as a highly sensitive person.

Honoring Sensory Needs

SFT helps highly sensitive adults identify environments and routines that support rather than overwhelm their sensory systems. Through exception questions, you might discover specific conditions under which you feel most comfortable and productive.

These insights can inform practical decisions about work settings, home environments, social engagements, and daily routines. Rather than trying to "toughen up" or ignore sensitivities, SFT encourages creating a lifestyle that honors and accommodates these natural traits.

Managing Social Energy

Many highly sensitive adults have limited social capacities compared to less sensitive peers. SFT helps establish sustainable social boundaries by identifying what energizing connections look like for you personally.

Through scaling questions, you might assess your current social energy levels and develop concrete strategies for maintenance. This could include scheduling regular alone time, limiting high-stimulation environments, or developing communication strategies to gracefully exit overwhelming situations.

Transforming Self-Perception

Highly sensitive adults often internalize messages that they're "too sensitive" or somehow deficient. SFT counters these narratives by recognizing sensitivity as a valuable trait with significant benefits.

Solution-focused conversations highlight the advantages of heightened perception, empathy, and depth of processing. As you recognize the value of your sensitive nature, shame can transform into self-appreciation and confidence in your unique way of experiencing the world.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Adults Through Solution Focused Therapy

LGBTQ+ adults face unique challenges related to identity, self-expression, and navigating social expectations. Solution Focused Therapy provides affirming support that honors individual experiences while building resilience.

Processing Minority Stress

LGBTQ+ individuals often experience minority stress—the chronic stress that results from stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. SFT acknowledges these challenges while focusing on building resilience.

Exception questions help identify times when you've successfully navigated difficult social situations or managed internal criticism. These experiences reveal your existing coping strategies and strength reserves, which can be intentionally accessed during challenging periods.


Identity Exploration and Affirmation

For adults exploring or affirming their gender identity or sexual orientation, SFT offers a non-judgmental space to envision your authentic self. The Miracle Question might help clarify what living fully as yourself would look like on a daily basis.

Through solution-building conversations, you can identify concrete steps toward greater authenticity, whether through self-expression, community connection, or communication with important people in your life.

Building Supportive Communities

Connection with affirming individuals is vital for LGBTQ+ wellbeing. SFT helps identify qualities of supportive relationships and strategies for cultivating meaningful connections.

Through scaling questions, you might assess your current sense of community and develop concrete steps toward greater belonging. This could include exploring LGBTQ+ organizations, cultivating specific friendships, or establishing boundaries with non-affirming individuals when necessary.


Integrating Solution Focused Therapy with Other Approaches

At Solace in Self Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy is often integrated with other therapeutic approaches to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This integration allows for a more personalized experience that addresses both immediate goals and deeper patterns.


Solution Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy views the mind as naturally containing many sub-personalities or "parts." When combined with SFT, this approach helps identify which parts of yourself already contain solutions and resources that can be activated.

For neurodiverse adults, this integration can be particularly powerful, as it acknowledges the complexity of your internal experience while focusing on strengths rather than pathology. You might discover that parts of you already know how to navigate challenging situations, even if these capacities aren't consistently accessible.

Solution Focused Therapy and Somatic Approaches

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between mind and body, recognizing that physical experiences provide valuable information about emotional states. When integrated with SFT, somatic awareness becomes another resource for identifying solutions.

For highly sensitive adults, this combination helps develop greater awareness of bodily cues indicating overwhelm, such as tension, digestive changes, or altered breathing patterns. Exception questions might reveal times when your body feels relaxed and regulated, providing insights about conditions that support your nervous system.

Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines how thoughts influence emotions and behaviors. When combined with SFT, cognitive techniques help identify thought patterns that support solution-building rather than problem-maintenance.

For LGBTQ+ adults who may have internalized negative messages, this integration helps challenge harmful beliefs while building affirming thought patterns. The future-focused nature of SFT complements CBT's emphasis on developing new cognitive habits.

The Solution Focused Therapy Process at Solace in Self Therapy

At Solace in Self Therapy, the Solution Focused Brief Therapy process is tailored to your unique circumstances while following a general structure that maximizes effectiveness.

Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

Your therapy journey begins with a collaborative conversation about what you hope to achieve. Rather than extensive problem analysis, this discussion focuses on identifying clear, meaningful goals that reflect your vision of a better future.

For neurodiverse clients, this might include improving specific executive functioning skills, developing sensory regulation strategies, or enhancing communication in important relationships. Goals are formulated in positive terms—describing what you want to create rather than what you want to eliminate.

Building on Strengths and Exceptions

Once goals are established, our sessions focus on uncovering your existing strengths and identifying exceptions to problem patterns. Through careful questioning, I help highlight resources you might not have recognized.

For instance, a highly sensitive adult might discover that they've already developed effective boundaries in certain relationships that could be applied more broadly. Or an adult with ADHD might recognize specific environments where focus comes more naturally, providing clues about optimal working conditions. As your therapist, I help you identify these patterns and build upon them.

Measuring Progress with Scaling

Regular scaling exercises help track progress and maintain motivation. By quantifying improvements, even small changes become visible and worthy of celebration.

This concrete measurement is particularly helpful for clients who may not automatically notice gradual improvements. It also provides valuable information about what interventions are most effective for your specific situation.

Consolidating Gains and Preventing Relapse

As therapy progresses, our sessions increasingly focus on solidifying gains and developing strategies to maintain progress after formal treatment ends. This includes identifying potential challenges and proactively planning responses.

For LGBTQ+ adults, this might involve preparing for interactions with non-affirming individuals or environments. For neurodiverse clients, it might include developing routines that support continued executive functioning or sensory regulation.

Solution Focused Therapy via Telehealth in Oregon and Washington

Solace in Self Therapy offers Solution Focused Therapy via secure telehealth platforms to clients throughout Oregon and Washington. This delivery method provides several unique advantages for neurodiverse, highly sensitive, and LGBTQ+ clients.


Creating Comfortable Therapeutic Environments

Telehealth allows you to engage in therapy from familiar surroundings where you can control sensory elements like lighting, temperature, sound, and seating. For highly sensitive adults and those with sensory processing differences, this control can significantly enhance the therapeutic experience.

You can also use preferred self-regulation tools during sessions without explanation or concern about social judgment. This might include stimming objects, weighted blankets, or movement options that help maintain optimal arousal levels.

Enhancing Privacy and Safety

For LGBTQ+ individuals living in less affirming communities, telehealth offers enhanced privacy protection. You can engage in therapy without concerns about being seen entering a mental health facility or encountering acquaintances in waiting rooms.

This privacy allows for more open exploration of identity and relationship concerns without the additional stress of potential community judgment or unwanted disclosures.

Eliminating Travel Barriers

For neurodiverse adults who find transportation stressful or energy-depleting, telehealth removes a significant barrier to consistent therapy. Sessions require less total time commitment without sacrificing therapeutic quality.

This accessibility is particularly valuable during periods of heightened sensitivity or executive functioning challenges when additional tasks like driving or navigating public transportation might otherwise prevent attending therapy.

The Effectiveness of Solution Focused Therapy

Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of Solution Focused Brief Therapy across various populations and concerns. Systematic reviews found that 74% of studies indicated significant benefits from this therapeutic intervention, with counseling outcome research showing outcomes comparable to longer-term therapeutic methods published in the international journal of clinical psychology.

For neurodiverse adults, the solution focused approach's emphasis on personalized solutions rather than standardized interventions aligns with the neurodiversity paradigm's focus on honoring different cognitive styles. Rather than attempting to "normalize" neurological differences or treating major depressive disorder with psychiatric treatment alone, as a SFBT therapist I help develop strategies that work with your natural tendencies.

Similarly, for highly sensitive adults, SFT's validation of individual experiences supports developing lifestyle choices that accommodate rather than fight against sensory sensitivities. This acceptance-based approach promotes authenticity rather than demanding adjustment to dominant norms.

For LGBTQ+ clients, research indicates that affirmative, strengths-based approaches like SFT contribute to improved self-acceptance, relationship satisfaction, and overall well-being. By focusing on solutions rather than pathologizing differences, SFT creates space for authentic self-expression.

Is Solution Focused Therapy Right for You?

While Solution Focused Therapy offers numerous benefits, determining whether it's the right approach depends on your specific circumstances, goals, and preferences. Consider these factors when exploring therapeutic options:


When SFT May Be Most Beneficial

Solution Focused Therapy tends to be particularly effective for:

  • Individuals seeking practical strategies for specific challenges

  • Those who prefer a strengths-based approach rather than extensive problem analysis

  • People who resonate with goal-oriented, future-focused methods

  • Clients with limited time or resources for extended therapy

  • Those who have attempted problem-focused approaches without satisfactory results

For neurodiverse adults, highly sensitive individuals, and LGBTQ+ clients who have previously encountered pathologizing or deficit-focused treatment, SFT's affirming stance can offer a refreshing alternative.

When Additional Approaches Might Be Needed

Solution Focused Therapy might be enhanced by integrating other modalities when:

  • Trauma processing is a primary therapeutic goal

  • Complex, long-standing patterns require deeper exploration

  • Significant psychiatric symptoms need specialized attention

  • Personality-related challenges affect multiple life domains

At Solace in Self Therapy, therapists are skilled in determining when pure SFT is appropriate and when an integrated approach might better serve your needs. This assessment happens collaboratively, honoring your preferences and insights about your own experience.

Getting Started with Solution Focused Therapy

Beginning your therapeutic journey requires just a few simple steps:

  • Reach out to discuss your interest in learning solution focused therapy and ask any initial questions about the family therapy options available.

  • Schedule an initial consultation with me as I am experienced in working with your specific population (neurodiverse adults, highly sensitive individuals, or LGBTQ+ clients) and understand relationship problems and child behavioral problems if relevant.

  • Prepare by reflecting on what changes would most significantly improve your life, even if you're not yet sure how to achieve them.

  • Engage in your first session with an open mind about discovering solutions and building solutions you might not have previously recognized.

Remember that seeking therapy demonstrates courage and self-compassion—qualities worth acknowledging as you begin this process.

Conclusion: Building Solutions Together

Solution Focused Brief Therapy offers a hopeful, practical approach to creating meaningful change and positive change while honoring your unique neurological makeup, sensory experiences, and identity. By focusing on strengths and solution development rather than deficits and problems, this solution oriented approach supports authenticity, self-efficacy, and targeted improvements in quality of life.

At Solace in Self Therapy, I am committed to tailoring solution focused techniques to your specific circumstances, creating a personalized therapeutic experience that respects your individual pace, preferences, and goals. Through telehealth services throughout Oregon and Washington, this supportive approach is accessible regardless of your location within these states. As a solution focused practitioner, I employ a not knowing stance to ensure constructive collaboration throughout the therapeutic process.

Whether you're seeking to improve executive functioning, develop sustainable strategies for managing sensory sensitivities, work through relationship problems, or explore identity in an affirming environment, Solution Focused Brief Therapy provides valuable tools for your journey. By building on what already works in your life, this solution building approach helps create sustainable change aligned with your authentic self.

To learn more about how solution focused therapy might support your specific needs and address clients managing trauma, reach out to our family therapy practice at Solace in Self Therapy. As a dedicated mental health professional, I am available to answer questions about the solution focused model, discuss options for families coping with various challenges, and help determine whether this evidence based practice aligns with your therapeutic goals.


Frequently Asked Questions About ACT

  • Solution Focused Therapy is designed as a brief intervention, with outcome research suggesting that significant improvements often occur within 6-8 sessions. However, the exact duration varies based on individual needs and goals in the client's situation. Some clients achieve their objectives in just a few sessions at the Brief Family Therapy Center approach, while others benefit from longer-term support, particularly when addressing complex or multiple concerns. Unlike some approaches from western countries and non western countries alike, focused brief therapy SFBT doesn't necessarily require months of weekly sessions.



  • Unlike problem-focused approaches that extensively analyze past experiences and underlying causes, Solution Focused Brief Therapy primarily looks forward, concentrating on building solutions and preferred futures. It emphasizes your existing strengths and resources rather than attempting to "fix" perceived deficits or solve your own problems. SFBT practitioners create a more optimistic, empowering therapeutic experience focused on concrete changes rather than theoretical understanding. While traditional approaches might focus on detailed description of problems, the solution focused approach investigates hope inspiring stories of success.



  • Yes, research indicates that Solution Focused Brief Therapy can effectively address anxiety and depression symptoms. By shifting focus from problems to solutions, SFT helps reduce rumination and worry while building hope and self-efficacy. For neurodiverse adults and highly sensitive individuals who may experience anxiety and depression differently than neurotypical people, my personalized approach is particularly valuable.



  • Preparing for your first session might include reflecting on what positive changes you hope to see in your life, times when your challenges are less intense or absent, and strengths or resources you already possess. However, extensive preparation isn't necessary—solution focused practitioners will guide the conversation with questions designed to uncover helpful information from the client's perspective. Come with an open mind about discovering solutions and building on previous solutions you might not have previously recognized.



  • As the therapist at Solace in Self Therapy, I specialize in working with neurodiverse adults, highly sensitive individuals, and LGBTQ+ clients. I maintain current knowledge about the specific challenges and strengths associated with these experiences. More importantly, I approach each client as a unique individual, avoiding assumptions and learning about your personal experience through attentive listening and collaborative conversation.



  • Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy can be equally effective as in-person treatment for most concerns. For neurodiverse and highly sensitive clients, telehealth often offers advantages through enhanced sensory control and reduced social/transportation demands. While the format differs slightly, the essential therapeutic relationship and intervention techniques remain highly effective through secure video platforms.



  • I will help develop specific strategies for managing challenges between sessions, building on the solution-focused principles discussed during therapy. Additionally, I can suggest resources, exercises, or coping techniques tailored to your particular needs. For urgent concerns requiring immediate attention, community crisis resources are available and can be discussed during your initial sessions.



  • I can help you understand your benefits and determine potential out of network coverage. For specific details about pricing and payment options, please contact me.



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