Therapeutic approach
Solution-FocusedSolution-Focused, Motivational & Narrative Therapy
Brief, strengths-based approaches including solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), and narrative therapy.
Key information you should know
- Strengths-based approaches: solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), and narrative therapy.
- Builds on what is already working and your own motivation for change.
- Narrative therapy separates problems from identity so you can relate to challenges differently.
Solution-focused therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Narrative Therapy are collaborative, strengths-based approaches. They focus on your resources, motivation, and the stories you tell about yourself.
Solution-focused therapy identifies practical steps toward your goals by building on what is already working, rather than staying fixed on problems alone.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a conversation style that strengthens your own commitment to change. It is especially helpful when you feel ambivalent or torn about a decision.
Narrative Therapy helps you re-author personal stories, separating problems from your identity so you can relate to challenges in new ways. It is respectful and empowering for identity, trauma, and life-transition concerns.
Succoris clinicians use these approaches across life transitions, self-esteem, substance use, and related concerns, adapted to your goals.
Commonly helps with
Anxiety
Evidence-based support for anxiety, panic, social anxiety, and worry — with experienced psychologists across our clinics and telehealth.
Life Transitions
Therapy through life's big changes — career, relationships, identity, parenthood, retirement, and the unexpected.
Self-Esteem and Confidence
Therapy to rebuild self-esteem, address self-critical thinking, and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Addiction and Substance Use
Compassionate, non-judgmental therapy for substance use, problem drinking, and behavioural addictions — at your pace, with your goals.
Psychologists who use this approach
9 Succoris clinicians draw on Solution-Focused in their practice.
Accepting new clientsBook with AdriannaAdrianna Soulis
Psychologist
Adrianna is a warm, highly experienced psychologist who brings nearly a decade of clinical practice to helping people feel understood, supported and confident as they work towards meaningful change.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Accepting new clientsBook with BeauDr Beau Gamble
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Beau is a warm, thoughtful, and experienced psychologist. He brings genuine curiosity to the people he works with, and takes a patient, collaborative approach to therapy.
Works from Succoris Joondalup
Accepting new clientsBook with WarwickDr Warwick Hosking
Clinical Psychologist
Warwick has several years' experience working with adolescents and adults in a range of settings. He takes a client-centred, empathic and compassionate approach to building rapport and trust with his clients.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Accepting new clientsBook with MalwinaMalwina Patton
Psychologist
Malwina provides a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. She works with individuals across the lifespan, helping people make sense of their experiences and move towards meaningful change.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with RyanRyan Dixon
Psychologist
Ryan is a thoughtful and down to earth psychologist who brings a strong blend of clinical expertise, relationship-focused work and real world experience to support individuals and couples through meaningful change.
2 clinics
Accepting new clientsBook with SumairaSumaira Yousaf
Psychologist
Sumaira Yousaf is a registered General Psychologist with extensive international clinical experience across Australia and the UAE. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a warm, strengths-focused approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Kristy Ward
Psychologist & Director
Kristy is a warm, highly experienced psychologist who brings nearly two decades of clinical practice to helping people feel understood, supported and confident as they work towards meaningful change.
2 clinics
Maddy Stenlake
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Madeleine works integratively with adults supporting a wide range of psychological presentations with care and clarity.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Nikita Kettlewell
Clinical Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Nikita works collaboratively with clients to identify goals and strategies for each individual, using a warm, empathic and non-judgemental approach. She has a background in individual and group therapy.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Common questions about Solution-Focused
What is solution-focused, motivational, and narrative therapy?
These are collaborative, strengths-based approaches that focus on your resources, motivation, and the stories you tell about yourself. Solution-focused therapy identifies practical steps toward your goals by building on what is already working. Motivational Interviewing strengthens your own commitment to change. Narrative Therapy helps you re-author personal stories, separating problems from your identity.
How do I know if a solution-focused approach is right for me?
These approaches may suit you if you want focused, forward-looking support rather than long exploratory work. They are often helpful for life transitions, ambivalence about change, self-esteem, and substance use concerns. If you respond well to practical conversations about goals and strengths, this style may fit. Your psychologist can discuss whether solution-focused, motivational, or narrative methods suit your situation.
What happens in a solution-focused therapy session?
Sessions are collaborative and goal-oriented. Your psychologist might ask what is already working, what small steps could move you forward, or how you would like things to be different. Motivational interviewing explores your own reasons for change without pressure. Narrative work examines the stories you tell about yourself and opens space for new ones. Sessions are typically around 50 minutes.
Can I access solution-focused therapy through Medicare at Succoris?
Yes. No referral is needed to book with Succoris. With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on individual sessions. Succoris psychologists use solution-focused, motivational, and narrative approaches across life transitions, self-esteem, and related concerns. Sessions are available in person and by telehealth across Australia.
What is solution-focused brief therapy?
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a short-term approach that concentrates on your goals and existing strengths rather than analysing problems in depth. It uses questions like "What would be different if things were better?" and "What is already working?" to identify practical steps forward. It is not about ignoring difficulties, but about building momentum toward change. Many Succoris clinicians use solution-focused techniques within broader therapy.
Unsure which approach is right for you?
Our team will help you find a psychologist and approach that fits your situation. You can browse clinicians who use Solution-Focused, book online, or contact us for a confidential discussion.