When clinicians need to transform stuck therapeutic conversations into breakthrough moments, they learn from Ben Furman, a Finnish psychiatrist who works internationally and presents in fluent English. His pioneering work in solution-focused therapy has helped practitioners worldwide shift from problem-focused discussions to conversations that build hope, resilience, and real change.
With over four decades in medicine and psychiatry, Dr. Furman is the co-founder of Helsinki Brief Therapy Institute and author of more than 20 books translated into over 20 languages. His innovative approaches – including the internationally acclaimed Kids’Skills method and Reteaming organizational coaching – have been taught across five continents and implemented in over 40 countries. What makes his work extraordinary is the practical simplicity: he shows clinicians how small shifts in language and focus can create profound therapeutic breakthroughs.
His specialty areas include solution-focused therapy, child and family interventions, team building, and communication skills training. Rather than lengthy traditional therapy, Furman’s methods help clinicians identify what’s already working in clients’ lives and build from there. His Kids’Skills approach teaches practitioners how to help children overcome challenges by focusing on skill-building rather than problem analysis, while his Reteaming method transforms workplace dynamics through solution-focused principles.
What sets his training apart is immediate applicability. Furman doesn’t just teach theory – he demonstrates how to host therapeutic conversations that clients actually want to participate in. His methods help clinicians move beyond the traditional therapist-patient dynamic to become skilled conversation partners who guide clients toward their own solutions. Participants consistently describe his trainings as fun and memorable, thanks to his use of stories and humour.
For your practice, expect to gain practical tools for conducting solution-focused conversations, specific techniques for working with children and families, and communication skills that improve both therapeutic relationships and outcomes. His approach particularly benefits clinicians who feel stuck with traditional problem-focused methods.
Quick Win: Furman’s signature question technique – “What needs to happen for you to say this conversation was worthwhile?” – immediately engages clients as active partners in their own healing process.
Qualifications
- M.D., University of Helsinki, Finland, 1979
- Specialist in Psychiatry, Finnish Ministry of Health, 1986
- Psychotherapist, Finnish Ministry of Health, 1995
- Senior Psychotherapist (Trainer), Finnish Ministry of Health, 2007
Authored Books
- Never Too Late To Have a Happy Childhood (1997)
- Solution Talk: Hosting Therapeutic Conversations (1992)
- Kids’Skills in Action (2010, co-author)
- 20+ additional titles translated into over 20 languages
Media & Recognition
- Host, “Ben Furman” national TV talk show (Finland YLE1, 1998–2006, 200+ episodes)
- Host, “Radio Therapist” Finnish national radio (YLE, 2009–2010)
- Founding Editor, Finnish Journal of Family Therapy (1984–late 1980s)
- Editor, Medisiinari medical journal (medical students journal, 1970s)
Teaching & Roles
- Director, Furman Consulting and Training, Helsinki, 2022–present
- Trainer/Consultant, Helsinki Brief Therapy Institute, Helsinki, 1986–present
- International keynote speaker (EdCrunch 2019, IASTI, EFTA, SF World Conference)
- General Practitioner, Lapland, Finland, 1979–198
Ready to transform your therapeutic conversations from problem-focused to solution-building? Discover how Dr. F