How You Can Use Solution-Focused Therapy Techniques to Talk to Employees About Mental Health

Mental health is no longer a taboo topic in the workplace. Employees are increasingly open about stress, anxiety, and burnout—but they still need psychologically safe, solution-oriented conversations. Leaders are uniquely positioned to guide these discussions, not as therapists, but as skilled facilitators of meaningful, productive dialogue.

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) offers a powerful framework for these conversations. Originally developed in clinical settings, SFT is a brief, goal-oriented approach that focuses not on problems, but on solutions. Its techniques are increasingly used in coaching, education, and workplace settings because they empower individuals to identify strengths, leverage past successes, and take actionable steps toward improvement.

For leaders, integrating SFT into everyday conversations can help employees feel supported, seen, and capable of managing mental health challenges. Here’s how.