Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Strategic Brief Therapy (SBT), developed by Giorgio Nardone, is an innovative approach in psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and modifying dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior in an efficient manner. Unlike traditional therapies, which often explore a patient's past, SBT is oriented toward practical solutions in the present, addressing specific problems through strategic interventions. It uses paradoxical techniques, in which counterintuitive actions are suggested, such as asking a patient with insomnia to try to stay awake, which can reduce anxiety and facilitate sleep. Among the fundamental principles of SBT are the re-framing of the problem and flexibility in the application of techniques, which allows the therapist to adapt interventions to the patient's needs. This fosters lasting and meaningful change, empowering the individual to improve their self-control skills and interpersonal relationships. In addition, SBT integrates neuroscience to understand how changes in behavior and thinking affect brain plasticity. This perspective highlights that the way in which experiences are interpreted influences emotional well-being. SBT has been shown to be effective in treating disorders such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders and addictions, promoting profound changes in the patient's perception and behavior. SBT not only seeks to reduce symptoms, but also focuses on transforming the patient's life through significant changes in their way of thinking and acting, positioning itself as a valuable tool in modern psychotherapy.