A Solution Focused Approach to Working with Couples with John Henden

This workshop offers a practical and energising exploration of how Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) principles can be applied effectively in couples work. Rather than dwelling on problems or past conflicts, the approach helps partners identify what’s already working, clarify their preferred future, and take small, meaningful steps toward change. Across the day, participants will learn how to guide couples toward constructive conversations, amplify strengths, and build momentum through carefully crafted questions and collaborative goal‑setting.

We’ll look at ways to navigate stuck patterns, manage high emotion, and keep sessions forward‑moving without minimising the depth or complexity of the relationship issues clients bring. The workshop also highlights how to use scaling, exception‑finding, and future‑focused dialogue to create hope and shift dynamics in real time. Whether you’re newly qualified or have decades of experience, you’ll leave with fresh tools, renewed confidence, and a clear framework for helping couples reconnect with their own resources and possibilities.

Underlying Principles for Attendees

Best practice for those working with couples:

• Keep an open mind
•  Make no judgements at the outset and/or as the work proceeds
•  Maintain a stance of maneuverability and neutrality as the work unfolds
•  Ensure safety, keeping one’s ‘antennae’ sharpened for any safeguarding red flags
•  Be hopeful and optimistic that the couple will arrive at a solution which is satisfactory to them
•  Be curious and creative in their thinking and questioning
•  Focus on solutions, not problems as the work unfolds, shifting the couple’s attention from what’s wrong to ‘what works’
•  View couples as the experts in their own relationship, being capable of identifying what will improve things
•  Be on the lookout throughout for small changes or minor shifts in behaviour or perspective which can lead to significant relational improvements
•  Be aware of and prepared for all possible outcomes

Where: Online via Zoom

Contact: Faye Johnson –  [email protected]

For more information and to register – please visit the website:

https://www.grow.co.nz/working-with-couples