Solution-Focused Therapy Questions

What is solution-focused therapy?

Solution-focused therapy (SFT) is a goal-oriented therapeutic approach that emphasizes the client's strengths and resources, focusing on building solutions rather than dwelling on problems. In this therapy, solution-focused therapists use techniques, such as Solution-Focused Therapy Questions, including miracle questions and scaling questions, to guide clients toward positive change.

The approach is grounded in positive psychology. It encourages clients to envision their desired outcome and identify practical steps they can take to solve problems and improve their well-being. Through focused therapy, clients work with the therapist to construct solutions, set goals, and track progress in subsequent sessions.

A solution-focused approach is especially effective in managing stress, anxiety, and difficult circumstances, as it invites clients to focus on solutions rather than problem talk. By emphasizing strengths and coping strategies, the therapeutic process helps clients navigate challenges in daily life, fostering hope and creating a positive shift in mindset.

When using solution-focused therapy in a family therapy or individual therapy setting, the therapist asks focused questions to assist clients in noticing previous solutions, keeping track of progress, and identifying resources to help build a brighter future. With its practical techniques and solution talk, solution-focused therapy is a powerful tool for solving problems and improving the client's life.

How does the Solution-Focused Therapy Questions template work?

The Solution-Focused Therapy Questions template is designed to help you and your clients navigate the process of identifying solutions and tracking progress.

Based on Fredrike Bannink's (2010) book 1001 Solution-Focused Questions, the template includes a variety of questions aimed at drawing out the client's expertise regarding the issue(s) that brought them to therapy. These questions encourage reflection, problem-solving, and empowerment by focusing on the client's strengths and resources.

Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Access the template

Access the Solution-Focused Therapy Questions template to guide the therapeutic process with key questions such as the miracle and scaling questions. Simply click "Use template" to open it via the Carepatron app or "Download" to get a PDF copy.

Step 2: Explain how it works

Once the client has access to the Solution-Focused Therapy Questions template, explain how the process works. Let them know that the questions are designed to help them reflect on their current situation and envision solutions. Emphasize that the goal is to focus on their strengths, resources, and what they would like to change.

Step 3: Client completes the worksheet

Ask the client to complete the worksheet either during your session or as part of a homework assignment. This will help them clarify their thoughts and gain insights about the situation. Encourage them to be honest and thoughtful, as there are no right or wrong answers.

Step 4: Review and discuss reponses

After the client has completed the worksheet, review their responses together. Engage in a collaborative discussion about their reflections, identifying any recurring themes or insights that arise. This is an opportunity to explore their strengths, resources, and past successes. Focus on the positive aspects of their responses and the steps they can take to move toward their desired outcomes.

Step 5: Identify specific goals

From the worksheet, help the client refine their goals. Encourage them to articulate clear, specific goals that are both realistic and meaningful to them. This step helps focus the therapy process and gives the client something tangible to work toward.

Step 6: Develop an action plan

Once the client has identified their goals, work together to develop a detailed action plan. Break down the steps they need to take to reach their goals, ensuring that each step is manageable and achievable. The action plan should also include potential obstacles and strategies to overcome them.

Example questions for solution-focused therapy

Solution-focused therapy utilizes specific goal development questions to help clients identify strengths, clarify their goals, and take actionable steps toward positive change. These questions focus on practical, future-oriented solutions, empowering clients to leverage their existing resources and construct effective solutions.  Below are key goal development questions used in solution-focused therapy:

1. Miracle questions

Miracle questions help clients envision a life where their problem is resolved. These questions foster hope and encourage clients to think about their desired outcomes. For example:

• "If a miracle happened overnight and your problem was solved, what would be different when you wake up?"
• "What would be the first thing you notice when you wake up and everything is different?"

2. Exception questions

Exception questions help clients reflect on times when their problem was less severe or absent and identify what worked in those moments. These questions emphasize previous solutions and successes. For example:

• "Tell me about a time when this problem wasn’t happening or wasn’t as bad."
• "What did you do differently at that time?"
• "What would it take for you to have more of those exceptions?"

3. Scaling questions

Scaling questions help clients assess their current situation and track progress, focusing on small, practical steps to achieve their goals. They can also be used to measure progress in subsequent sessions. For example:

• "On a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is the worst possible situation and 10 is the best, where would you rate yourself right now?"
• "What could help you move from a 4 to a 5 on that scale?"
• "What would a 7 look like? What would be different?"

4. Coping questions

Coping questions focus on identifying the stress management strategies and coping strategies the client has used successfully in the past, empowering them to use these strengths in their current situation. For example:

• "How have you managed to get through this so far?"
• "What strengths have helped you cope with this situation?"
• "What would have happened if you had not been able to cope that way?"

5. Compliments and strength-based questions

Complimenting and reinforcing client's strengths encourages confidence and self-efficacy, reminding clients of their ability to handle challenges. For example:

• "What personal strengths have helped you deal with this situation?"
• "How would you describe yourself as someone who handles challenges?"
• "What do you think other people admire about you?"

6. Future-oriented questions

These questions help clients set goals and focus on what they want to change, creating a sense of direction and hope for the future. For example:

• "What would you like to be different in a week/month/year from now?"
• "What do you want to make sure happens next?"
• "If you had your way, what would be your first change?"

7. Relating questions

Relating questions encourage clients to consider how others perceive their progress, reinforcing their positive changes and offering external perspectives on their growth. For example:

• "If I asked your family or friends about the changes they’ve noticed in you, what would they say?"
• "What would your loved ones say about how you’ve been handling things?"
• "What strengths do you think others see in you that help you move forward?"

These techniques are powerful tools that help clients focus on solutions rather than problems. They are central to the SFT approach, allowing you to assist clients in constructing solutions, solving problems, and fostering positive change in their daily lives and overall well-being.

Benefits of the solution-focused approach

As mentioned, the solution-focused brief therapy model provides an effective way to engage clients in therapeutic change. This approach is anchored in the belief that individuals have the capacity to construct their solutions, and that change is not only possible but will truly happen.

These are the advantages of solution-focused approach:

• Efficient and brief: Therapy often requires fewer sessions than traditional models because it concentrates on identifying solutions rather than dissecting problems. This efficiency makes it a cost-effective option for clients and a time-effective model for practitioners.
• Flexibility: The approach's focus on solutions makes it adaptable and applicable to various client issues and settings. Whether addressing mental health disorders, relationship challenges, or career goals, SFT can be adapted to meet diverse needs.
• Positive orientation: SFT shifts the focus from problems to possibilities, which can help clients adopt a more positive outlook on life. This positive orientation encourages clients to envision and work towards a preferred future, enhancing motivation and hope.
• Enhances communication: SFT improves communication between the client and therapist by asking targeted questions. This improved dialogue can help clarify goals, reveal potential solutions, and strengthen the therapeutic alliance.
• Culturally sensitive: Solution-focused therapy is adaptable and respects diverse cultural backgrounds. Its emphasis on client expertise and resources aligns with various cultural values and beliefs, making it an inclusive approach.

Reference

Fredrike Bannink. (2010). 1001 solution-focused questions - handbook for solution-focused interviewin. Ww Norton & Co.