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What is Brief Therapy?
The definition of Brief Therapy is: "The planned use of specific concepts and
principles in a focused, purposeful way" (Wells, Casebook of the Brief
Psychotherapies, l993). Brief Therapy defines problems as temporary and changeable. The
causes of the problems are complex and uncertain, therefore, the focus is on what to do to
change the situation in the present and the future. The focus of Brief Therapy is on the
client’s strengths and the possibilities for change. Therapy is solution oriented and
there is conscious and conscientious use of time.
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How does Brief Therapy work?
The client and the therapist will, together, define the problem and determine several
measurable goals and objectives designed to resolve the problem. These goals are the focus
of the treatment and are reviewed frequently. Together, the client and the therapist will
determine what the desired outcome will look like. In this way, both will know when the
therapy is complete. The emphasis is on the present and future, not on past events.
(Although past events may be reviewed to put the current difficulties into context). There
is a conscious and conscientious use of time and a frequent review of progress.
Ineffective interventions are discarded. The therapist is actively involved in the therapy
sessions, not passive. There is a recognition that human change is inevitable and an
emphasis on client strengths and resources.
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How long is "brief"?
"Brief" therapy is defined in contrast to "long-term" therapy in
that the focus of treatment is on specific, measurable, short term goals. The length of
treatment is dependent upon the client’s achievement of these goals. The philosophy
of Brief Therapy is to not spend great amounts of time in therapy. The therapist’s
commitment is that a client’s outside life is more important than therapy and that
therapy is not "timeless". There is a conscious and conscientious use of time
and a frequent review of progress. New solutions are targeted if previous solutions are
found to be ineffective. Brief therapy may occur episodically over years with challenging
problems such as severe abuse or trauma.
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How is Brief Therapy
different from traditional therapy?
In traditional therapy, the therapist is often seen as the ‘expert’,
possessing a knowledge and awareness of the client’s problem that the client needs to
obtain. In Brief Therapy, the therapist and client work collaboratively to understand and
solve the problem. Both the client and therapist have particular areas of expertise. In
traditional therapy, the client is often viewed as having ongoing difficulties as a result
of past events. In Brief Therapy, the client is viewed as having been influenced but not
determined by past events. Just as the client may have deficits resulting from their past,
they also have strengths and resources that are emphasized. Traditional therapy tends to
focus on the past and on the problem at hand, whereas Brief Therapy focuses on the
present/future and is solution-oriented.
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What is expected of
me, and what should I expect from my therapist?
As a client, it is helpful for you to embrace the idea that change is possible. Not
everyone who appears in therapy is a candidate for change. As a client, you will be
expected to be able to acknowledge that you have a problem and embrace a willingness to
work on it. You should see yourself as being part of a solution. Your therapist can guide
you to finding the tools you need to resolve your difficulties. It is your therapist's job
to help clarify objectives and to put them, if possible, in attainable form. Together, you
and your therapist will first define the problem and then determine goals that include a
description of what a positive outcome will look like. You will also define the objectives
that will help you work toward achieving your goal.
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What problems can't be helped
by Brief Therapy?
Most problems can be helped by Brief Therapy. However, individuals with substance
abuse problems who are actively using those substances would be better served at a
substance abuse facility.
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Is my confidentiality guaranteed?
Information that you discuss in your therapy session is confidential. However, you
should be aware that their are two circumstances which it is not possible for us to
protect your confidentiality. As mandated New York State reporters, we are obligated to
report any situation in which child abuse or neglect may be occurring. Additionally, we
have a "duty to warn", which means that if there is a likelihood that you may
harm yourself or someone else, we will need to take steps to report the situation to the
appropriate authorities to ensure safety. We also are obligated to comply with the federal
and state legal system for subpoenaed records.
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What will happen in my free
initial consultation?
Brief Therapy Associates offers a free initial consultation so that together, you and
the therapist can determine if Brief Therapy is the treatment of choice for you. During
this time, the therapist will work with you to identify the problem and you will determine
whether or not to proceed with a course of treatment at Brief Therapy Associates.
Additionally, you and the therapist will review and determine your payment options.
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When are appointments available?
Appointment hours are varied. Daytime, weekday and evening hours are available. Please
call us at (607) 275-3675 or email us at for
the availability of specific appointment times.
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What is the fee?
Fee for service is $85 per 50 minute session. We participate in several Managed Care
Provider Networks and we also are reimbursable by other standard health insurance
companies. A sliding scale fee, based on your household income, is available if needed.
Please note that therapy fees may constitute a tax deductible medical expense. You may
request a receipt for such purposes at any time. For your convenience, we accept
Mastercard, Visa and Discover credit cards.
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