Language Creates a New Reality

This chapter discusses current theory of change of SFBT and will look at how using SFBT questions that elicit coping, resources, and a description of a preferred future starts creating a new reality for clients that have experienced trauma. It discusses the theoretical framework for how SFBT works and its compatibility with other postmodern approaches and social constructivism. The tenets of introducing positive emotion after a trauma situation and expanding the trauma experience with positive emotion will also be discussed. Neurobiology and neuroplasticity are discussed in connection with the notion that the more one discusses the details of the positive emotion, coping, resilience, strength, and pride, the more one will build/reinforce neural pathways of a different and more hopeful reality.