Past Conferences (2003-2020)
2020 SFBTA Online Conference - "Putting Differences to Work"
Where:
Online on Zoom
When:
November 13 & 14, 2020
Organizing Team (alphabetical order):
Angela January, Benjamin Finlayson, Dawn Crosswhite, Dominik Godat, Elfie Czerny, Elliott Connie, Jay Valusek, Keiko Yoneyama-Sims, Matthew L. Schwartz, Pamela King, Sharon Casey, Victoriy Grey
Program Team (alphabetical order):
Angela January, Benjamin Finlayson, Dawn Crosswhite, Elfie Czerny, Elliott Connie, Jay Valusek, Keiko Yoneyama-Sims, Matthew L. Schwartz, Pamela King, Sharon Casey, Victoriy Grey
Pre-Conference Workshops:
Walking Culturally Humble with our Clients and Colleagues with Dawn Crosshite
The Diamond Approach and Why It Matters Today with Elliott Connie
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) & Telehealth: Best Practices and Lessons Learned in the Age of COVID-19 with Matthew L. Schwartz
SF Talks
From Blooming Fields to Jail Cells: How SFBT Can be Used to Create an Inclusive and Fun Learning Environment with Diverse Persons with Victoria S. Grey
Sometimes the Solution Is to Scream It Out with Benjamin T. Finlayson
The Power of Sisterhood with Angela January , Erin Cusanno , Cynthia Kearney , Dawn Crosswhite
Mission:
We aim to have a welcoming, inclusive, diverse, light, energetic, playful, and non-hierarchical SFBTA online conference where people from all walks of life can and want to participate, are equally valued, and can connect to practitioners from all over the world.
We aim to show that the SFBTA lives up to its Diversity and Inclusivity Statement, honoring equity, diversity, and inclusion as much as possible.
Our Diversity and Inclusivity Statement:
In our mission to expand and further develop solution-focused brief therapy we realize the importance of both diversity and inclusivity. As an association, we recognize that our success is dependent upon the engagement, inclusion, and valuing of the rich diversity of all individuals. We acknowledge diversity as it relates to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, veteran status, religious affiliation, nationality, political affiliation, and/or disability. We are committed to treating all individuals and groups with dignity and respect. We are an association community that values diversity and we strive to be inclusive.
How we want to live diversity and inclusivity:
Instead of an official conference chair, there is a diverse and inclusive organizing team that makes the relevant decisions.
Instead of an official program chair, there is a diverse and inclusive program team that chooses the workshops.
The program, the organizing team, and the program team represent the diversity stated in the Diversity and Inclusivity Statement.
Instead of a fixed price, there is a sliding scale: Pay what you want (with the option to pay less, equal or more).
50% of the revenue (after taxes) of the pre-conference workshops and 30% of the revenue (after taxes) of the main conference are dedicated to projects that foster the diversity in the field of SF. Everyone in the organizing team is part of the decision making process.
2019 Conference on Solution Focused Practices / Congrès 2019 de la SFBTA
Where:
Bonaventure Hotel / Hôtel Bonaventure
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
When:
November 6-9, 2019
Conference Chair:
Brigitte Lavoie
Program Chair:
Joel Simon
Opening Plenary:
Harry Korman
On the ethics of diagnosis, or the therapist in between paradigms
2018 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Where:
Boulderado Hotel
Boulder, CO
When:
November 7-10, 2018
Conference Chair:
Monica Rotner
Program Chair:
Joel Simon
Opening plenary:
Guy Shennan
Solution-focused practice and social change - working with groups, organizations and communities
2018 Pre-Conference Workshops:
SFBT Training for Trainers: Heather Fiske and Brenda Zalter-Minden
Extended minds, extended persons, extended therapy: a basics course with a twist of modern applications of solution focused: Guy Shennan
Supervising SF Practice: Advancing Our Thinking and Skills: Joel Simon, & Peter De Jong
Research Day - Research Committee
Awards
SF ON TOUR/ Elfie Czerny, Dominik Godat and Bibiana., Steve de Shazer innovations in the field: Brenda Zalter Minden , Insoo Kim Berg Memorial Award. Taylor Yates, LCSW, Research Award (Randomized controlled trial of an SFBT group wellness intervention for women
living with HIV). Katherine Nieweglowski and Sang Qin, Research Award (Using solution-focused brief therapy to improve self-advocacy skills for college students with disabilities).
2017 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Where:
La Fonda on the Plaza
Santa Fe, NM
When:
November 8-11, 2017
Conference Chair:
Victor Nelson
Program Chair:
Amanda Bushek
Opening plenary:
Cynthia Franklin, PhD, LCSW, LMFT
Solution-focused Alternatives for Education: Innovations and Evidence
2017 Pre-Conference Workshops:
SFBT Training for Trainers and Supervisors: Heather Fiske and Brenda Zalter-Minden
Solution-Focused Alternatives for Education: Innovations and Evidence: Cynthia Franklin
SF Brief Practice 101: “An Introduction to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy”: Joel Simon and Monica Rotner
Research Day - Research Committee
Awards:
Pam King, Steve de Shazer innovations in the field. Mark Mitchell, Insoo Kim Berg Memorial Award – for significant contributions to training in SFBT over the years. Richa Malhotra – Research Award “Effectiveness of Solution Focused Brief Therapy on Self-Concept, Self-Esteem and Adjustment of Bullied Adolescents.” Valerie Handley - Research Award – “Assessing the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with Animal-Assisted Therapy: A microanalysis of Face-to-Face Dialogue.”
2016 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Where:
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
When:
November 2-5, 2016
Conference Chair:
Barry McClatchey,
Jill Ceccolini,
and Richard Hamilton
Program Chair:
Joel Simon
Opening plenary:
Harvey Ratner
Co-director of BRIEF, London, UK
Pre-Conference Workshops:
Training for Trainers & Supervisors - Lance Taylor & Heather Fiske
Solution Focused Brief Practice with Children & Youth - Harvey Ratner
SFBT 101 - Joel Simon
Research Day - Research Committee
Awards:
Frank Thomas, Steve de Shazer Award. Brie Ann Turns, Research Award “Assessing the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Couples Raising a Child with Autism: A Clinical Outcome Study.”
2015 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Where:
Wilmington, North Carolina
(Hilton Wilmington Riverside - Link below)
When:
November 4-7, 2015
Co-sponsor (with SFBTA):
The University of North Carolina Wilmington
Conference Chair:
Kristin Bolton
Program Chair:
Joel Simon
Opening Plenary:
Lorenn Walker, JD, MPH
Pre-Conference Workshops:
Deepening Our SFBT Skills - Peter De Jong & Lance Taylor
SFBT 101: An Introduction to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Clinical and Organizational Applications - Joel Simon and Monica Rotner
Engaging and Partnering with Substance Misusing Client: A Solution-Focused Approach - Teri Pichot
Research Day - Research Committe
Awards
Lorenn Walker, Steve de Shazer Memorial Award. Stephen Langer, Insoo Kim Berg Memorial Award. Hannah Szlyk: Research Award “How Do Teachers Maintain Students with Emotional Concerns in the Classroom?: A Grounded Theory.” Chang Liu: Research Award “Examining the Effectiveness of Solution Focused Art Therapy for Sleep Problems of Children and Adolescent with Traumatic Experience.”
2014 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Where:
Santa Fe, New Mexico
When:
November 5-8, 2014
Conference Chair:
Victor Nelson
Program Chair:
Lance Taylor
Opening plenary:
Gale Miller
Pre-Conference Workshops:
Deepening Our SFBT Skills: Advanced Two-Day Pre-conference Workshop – Peter De Jong, Jocelyne Korman, & Harry Korman
SFBT 101: An Introduction to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Clinical and Organizational Applications -Joel Simon and Monica Rotner
I’m Almost a 10! And Other Proclamations of Solution-Minded Children - Pam King
Research Day - Research Committee
Awards
Joel Simon, Steve de Shazer Memorial Award. Johnny Kim, Research Recognition Award. Jermain Simpson, Conference Bursary. Kristen Linton, "Testing a SFBT Promotora Intervention for Hispanics with Traumatic Brain Injury". James Beauchemin, "Examining the Effectiveness of a Short-Term Solution-Focused Wellness Group Intervention on Perceived Stress and Wellness Among College Students."
2013 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Where
Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
University of Toronto
When
November 6th through 11th, 2013
Co-sponsor (with SFBTA)
University of Toronto,
Canadian Centre for Brief Coaching
Conference Chair
Haesun Moon & Brenda Zalter-Minden
Program Chair
Heather Fiske
Opening plenary
Dr. Arild Aambø
Awards
Weisu Hsu,Insoo Kim Berg Memorial Award for significant contributions to training. Martha Hinchey: Research Award “School-Based Mental Health Services: The Implementation of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with At-Risk Youth in an Alternative School Environment.” Maria von Stamwitz, Student Conference Bursarie
2012 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Where
Bloomington, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Airport Marriott
When
November 14th through 18th , 2012
Conference Chair
Jay Trenhaile, EdD
Program Chair
Neal Sheeley
Opening plenary
Peter Szabo
Closing plenary
Dr. Frank Thomas
Awards
Janet Bavelas, The Steve de Shazer Memorial Award for significant contributions to research. Heather Fiske, Insoo Kim Berg Memorial Award for significant contributions to training. Cathy Grover Ely, Research Award - "The Effectiveness of SFBT: The Educational Bottom Line." Kristin Whitehill, Research Award - "Youth Offender Diversion Alternative Proposal." Rosa Ruales,
Student Conference Bursaries. Rosa Ruales, Student Conference Bursaries. Glenn Calaguas, Conference Bursary
2011 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Location
Bakersfield, California
Dates
November 9th through 14th , 2011
Co-sponsor (with SFBTA)
Kern County Mental Health Department
Conference Chair
Ross Kremsdorf
Program Chair
Peter DeJong
Opening plenary
"SFBT: Practice that Makes a Difference to the Client", Yvonne Dolan
Closing plenary
"Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Evidence Based?", Terry Trepper Ph.D. and Cynthia Franklin Ph.D.
Awards
Sara Smock, The Steve de Shazer Memorial Award for significant contributions to research. Lance Taylor, Insoo Kim Bery Memorial Award for significant contributions to training. Patricia Mares, Research Award - In-Home SFBT for Troubled Youth. Robin Bluestone-Miller:
Student Research Award - "Improving Classroom Climate and Improving Student Outcomes with the WOWW (Working on What Works) Intervention. Kristen Runge, Conference Bursary. Sharon Lim, Training Bursary
2010 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Location
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Dates
November 17 - 22
Conference Chair
Renée Meggs
Program Chair
Thorana Nelson
Opening plenary
“What is Different About Solution Focused Therapy?" Peter De Jong and Janet Bavelas
Closing plenary
Key Lessons Learned for Refining the Art in SFBT
Awards
Teri Pichot, The Steve de Shazer Memorial Award for significant contributions to the field of Solution Focused Brief Therapy over a number of years. Penny Griffith, Insoo Kim Berg Memorial Award for innovative research and application of Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Alvin Mares,
Research Award - Ohio Youth In Transition Aftercare. Julie Hutchins-Wilson, Student Research Award - Mapping Therapeutic Change in the Brain: MFT & QEEG. Georgette Whitehead, Conference Bursary.
2009 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Dates:
November 6 & 7, 2009
Location:
Albany, NY
Co-sponsor (with SFBTA):
Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc.
Center on Aging and Policy at Mount Saint Mary College
School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, SUNY
Conference Chair:
Joel Simon
Program Chair:
Teri Pichot
Opening plenary:
"Hope in Action: Solution-Focused Suicide Prevention" Heather Fiske
Closing plenary:
Solution-Focused Therapy: Past, Present, and Future Panel Discussion
Awards:
None
2008 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Dates
November 12 - 16
Location
Austin, Texas
Conference Chair
Cynthia Franklin (assisted by Liz Nowicki)
Opening plenary
"Best Hopes: The elimination of the problem (and, therefore, the solution) in solution-focused brief therapy" Chris Iveson, Evan George, Harvey Ratner and Guy Shennan from Brief Therapy Practice in London, England.
Closing plenary
"The Next Question: Multiple choice moments in the every day lives of solution-focused brief therapists" Chris Iveson, Evan George, Harvey Ratner and Guy Shennan from Brief Therapy Practice in London, England.
Awards
Mo Yee Lee, John Sebold, and Adriana Uken (The Insoo Kim Berg Memorial Award for innovative research and application of Solution Focused Brief Therapy), Peter DeJong (The Steve de Shazer Memorial Award for significant contributions to the field of Solution Focused Brief Therapy over a number of years).
Do you remember? Best hopes, "Hi, y'all," "Keep Austin Weird," the boys from London meet the press.
2007 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Dates:
November 1 - 4
Location:
Toronto, Ontario
Conference C0-Chairs:
Heather Fiske and Brenda Zalter
Program Chair:
Lance Taylor
Opening plenary:
"A Tribute to Insoo Kim Berg" hosted by Yvonne Dolan with a surprise guest: Carl Milligan
Closing plenary:
"Solution-Focused Aid: An Emerging Concept" Dr Arild Aambo
Awards:
None
Do you remember?
Insoo died in Milwaukee January 10. Her death was a shock; she had been (as always) full of energy and life in Colorado only 4 months prior. Now both she and Steve could proudly watch what they together had forged. The US dollar dipped to the lowest against the Canadian Dollar during the conference. Crossing the border back into the US, one attendee was asked whether he bought anything in Canada. His answer: "I couldn't afford to buy anything in Canada. Wasn't it wonderful how all vehicles actually stopped and waited for pedestrians to cross the street in the city? The 2-day, pre-conference Training of Trainers workshop was held for the first time as was a 3-day post-conference training on Microanalysis.
2006 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Dates:
November 2-4
Location:
Denver, Colorado
Co-sponsor (with SFBTA):
Jefferson County Department of Health and Environmental Services
Conference Chair:
Teri Pichot
Program Chair:
Sara Smock
Opening plenary
"Harry Korman"
Harry Korman and Janet Bevelas
Closing plenary
"Widening the Base of Evidence, A Panel on Evidence Based Research"
Janet Bavelas, Harry Korman and Insoo Kim Berg"
Awards
Thorana Nelson ("Significant Contributions to the SFBTA") and Harry Korman (the first "Steve de Shazer Memorial Award")
Do you remember?There was a major snow storm just the week before the conference. Nature was on our side; all was clear by the time that the attendees began to arrive. Another conference surrounded by the beautiful Rockies. Many participants took advantage of them before, during, and after the conference. During the banquet, Harry Korman pantomimed an hilarious appendectomy: the operation was a success and the patient died. The conference broke attendance records and brought in much needed revenue to SFBTA, a not-for-profit association.
2005 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Dates
November 3-6
Location
Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Co-sponsor (with SFBTA)
Nova Southeastern University Department of Humanities and Social Services
Conference Chair
Lee Shilts
Program Chair
Joel Simon
Opening plenary
"SF With Children"
Insoo Kim Berg & Therese Steiner
Closing plenary
"A Tribute to Steve de Shazer"
Insoo Kim Berg, Gale Miller, Eric McCollum
Awards
Dan Gallagher ("SF Pioneer"), Terry Trepper ("Significant Contributions to the Founding of SFBTA")
Do you remember?Steve de Shazer died on September 11, 2005. His spirit, no doubt, proudly watched over the proceedings. Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Florida at 7:00 am on October 24th, just one-week before the conference. It took only 4 hours to sweep easterly across the state. In its wake, it left thousands of people homeless. Our conference chair, Lee Shilts, was forced to move in with his son temporarily. The hurricane affected phone service and electricity. SFBTA was unsure whether or not the conference should go on and after numerous emails, the decision was made at the end of the week prior that the show should go on. While travel was difficult, services had been restored and the conference was a huge success. The devastation touched everyone, the human spirit to prevail seemed to fit a solution-focused theme: the trust that somehow people will find a way by using their personal and social resources. Many of the attendees shared hotels with those who had lost their homes. Full-day, pre-conference researchers' meeting and SF 201 with Insoo Kim Berg and Yvonne Dolan were introduced for the first time. By the way, what does the phrase "FEMA Blue" mean to you?
2004 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Dates
November 2 & 3
Location
Park City, Utah
Conference Chair
Thorana Nelson
Program Chair
Jay Trenhaile
Opening plenary
"A Conversation with Luc Isebaert"
Yvonne Dolan and Luc Isebaert (he founder of the Brugge model of treatment for problematic drinking)
Closing plenary
"Emotions and Solution Focused Brief Therapy"
Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, Yvonne Dolan and Eric McCollum
Awards
Yvonne Dolan, and Luc Isebaert
Do you remember? There was snow fall the week before the conference and the snowcapped Wasatch Mountains were beautiful. Several people went snow shoeing in the mountains after the conference. There was a running/walking/biking trail near the hotel. The solution-focus 101, full-day, introductory workshop was first introduced as a pre-conference workshop at this conference.
2003 Conference On Solution-Focused Practices
Dates
November 2 & 3
Location
Loma Linda, California
Co-sponsor (with SFBTA)
Loma Linda University Department of Counseling and Family Sciences
Conference Chair
Jennifer Andrews
Program Chair
Thorana Nelson
Opening plenary
"A Conversation on Wittgenstein"
Matthias Varga Von Kibed and Steve de Shazer
Closing plenary
"Back to the Future"
Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer. Accompanying Insoo and Steve were several of the early solution-focused pioneers: Jennifer and David Andrews, Steve Langer, Dan Gallagher, and Yvonne Dolan
Awards
Cynthia Franklin, and Insoo Kim Berg
Do you remember?
This was the inaugural SFBTA conference. The founders met on November 1, the day before the conference in sunny California. Thorana Nelson (program chair) walked into the meeting late having come directly from the airport - she flew in from Utah; the flight was delayed because of a blizzard. The conference was scheduled at the same time as California was experiencing forest fires that eventually destroyed 92,000 acres in the adjacent San Bernardino National Forests. Thorana Nelson's husband, Vic, was bitten on the lip by a dog in the elevator. He and Thorana spent the evening in the emergency room rather than the Founders' Dinner. Vic presented a workshop the next day albeit with a swollen lip. The next day Insoo exclaimed, "Victor! I heard you got bitten by a dog!" Vic replied: "No, Insoo. It was a damn dog!"
