Steve de Shazer
Co-Founder of the Solution Focused Approach
The Summary
Steve de Shazer was one of the key figures in developing the Solution Focused approach. His work, alongside Insoo Kim Berg, shifted attention from problems to possibilities, shaping practice across therapy, coaching, and organisational work.
“Problem talk creates problems. Solution talk creates solutions.”
— Steve de Shazer
About Steve de Shazer
Steve de Shazer (25 June 1940, Milwaukee – 11 September 2005, Vienna) was a psychotherapist, author, and one of the pioneers of the Solution Focused approach.
In 1978, Steve and Insoo Kim Berg co-founded the Brief Family Therapy Center (BFTC) in Milwaukee. Their work there led to the development of Solution Focused Brief Therapy during the 1980s, building on earlier research at the Mental Research Institute.
Originally trained as a classical musician, Steve also worked as a jazz saxophonist. He later gained a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an MSSW in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Steve wrote six books, translated into 14 languages, and travelled widely as a trainer and consultant.
He died from pneumonia in Vienna while on a European teaching tour.
Further Reading
For a more personal insight into Steve and his work: