When school counselors first learn about Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), it often sounds simple: focus on strengths, look for solutions, and help students move forward. In practice, though, being truly solution-focused takes intention—and a lot of unlearning. I’ve made these mistakes myself, and I see them often in new counselors who genuinely want to help. The good news? These are easy habits to recognize and adjust once you’re aware of them. Mistake #1: Trying to Fix