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Brief Strategic Therapy

Nardone
«If the attempted solution keeps the problem alive, change the attempted solution.»
Definition

Brief Strategic Therapy (BST), associated with Giorgio Nardone and the Arezzo Strategic Therapy Center, is a pragmatic problem-focused model. It studies the perceptive-reactive system that maintains the problem and interrupts the attempted solutions that keep the symptom alive.

The central question is not why the problem began, but how it works now.

Founders and history

BST grows from the Palo Alto MRI tradition, especially Paul Watzlawick's interactional and strategic thinking, and from Giorgio Nardone's clinical protocols for panic, phobias, obsessive-compulsive problems and eating disorders. The Arezzo center developed highly specific brief protocols and strategic dialogue as a distinctive conversational method.

Nardone's work emphasizes effectiveness, precision and tailored prescriptions rather than allegiance to one theoretical school.

Key concepts

The perceptive-reactive system is the client's way of perceiving and reacting to the problem. Attempted solutions are actions that appear helpful but maintain the disorder: avoidance, control, reassurance seeking, checking, ritualizing, postponing or forcing change.

Strategic dialogue guides the client toward an experiential discovery. Paradoxical prescriptions and strategic tasks interrupt the maintaining loop. The therapist does not offer generic advice; the task must fit the problem's operating logic.

Format of therapy

Courses are usually brief, often 5-10 sessions, with some complex eating-disorder protocols extending to about 20. Sessions are commonly every two weeks so the prescription has time to work. A typical structure is strategic dialogue, prescription, outcome check and adjustment.

Homework is central. The task between sessions is not an optional supplement; it is the mechanism of change.

Evidence base

Nardone and colleagues report large case series from the Strategic Therapy Center with high rates of symptom remission and low session counts, especially for panic, phobias, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and eating disorders. Siracusano et al. (2011) reported the STRATOB randomized trial comparing BST and CBT for bulimia nervosa. Nardone and Watzlawick (2005) describe clinical series for panic disorder.

A major caveat is that much of the evidence comes from the model's own center or collaborators; independent replication is more limited.

Limitations

BST is not a first-line response for acute suicidal crisis, psychosis, severe dissociation, active violence or unstable medical risk. Some clients need stabilization, medication or trauma-specialized work before strategic tasks are appropriate. The method can be harmed by mechanical application: a poorly worded paradox becomes ordinary advice and may fail or backfire.

Functional diagnosis

Brief Strategic Therapy begins with a functional diagnosis, not a search for deep causes. The therapist asks how the problem works now: when it appears, what triggers it, what the client does to manage it, what others do, and how the attempted solutions maintain the cycle.

The focus is the perceptive-reactive system: the way the person perceives the problem and reacts to it. Panic, phobia, obsession, compulsion, eating symptoms and relational problems are approached through their present operating logic.

Useful stance: We do not need to know why the trap began in order to understand how it keeps closing today.

The therapist tracks not only the behavior but also the logic behind it. In panic, the client may avoid situations or constantly scan the body. In obsessive-compulsive problems, ritual reduces anxiety briefly and teaches the person that the ritual is required. In relational problems, repeated persuasion or reassurance may become the very thing that keeps conflict alive.

A useful functional diagnosis can be explained in plain language: this is the trap, this is how it closes, and this is the small place where we can insert a different move. The formulation remains practical; it must lead to a task.

Attempted solutions

Identify attempted solutions with precision. What does the client do to reduce fear, control uncertainty, receive reassurance, avoid risk, test the body, check the ritual, restrict food, postpone action or force change? Which attempts help briefly but make the problem stronger later?

In the strategic frame, the attempted solution is often the engine of the problem. Avoidance confirms danger. Reassurance creates more doubt. Control produces loss of control. Ritual lowers anxiety briefly and teaches the brain that ritual is necessary.

The therapist maps the vicious circle before prescribing anything.

Concrete measurable goal

Define a concrete goal in observable terms. Instead of I want to be less anxious, specify what the person will do differently: ride the subway, sleep without checking, eat without compensatory rituals, speak to a partner without seeking reassurance, or enter a feared place.

The goal must be small enough to measure and meaningful enough to matter. It gives the therapy a pragmatic direction and lets the therapist evaluate whether the strategy works.

If there is no change after several sessions, the formulation or the prescription must be revised.

When the goal is defined, the therapist also defines how progress will be checked. For panic, this may be entering previously avoided places. For compulsions, it may be delaying or changing the ritual. For relational reassurance, it may be one conversation without the usual question. The measure should be concrete enough that both therapist and client can see whether the strategy is working.

The goal is not to become a different person or understand every origin of the symptom. It is to break the current operating logic and restore freedom of action. This pragmatic frame keeps the therapy brief and prevents strategic dialogue from becoming ordinary analysis.

Strategic dialogue

Strategic dialogue is not psychoeducation. It is a sequence of questions with the illusion of alternatives, paraphrases with reframing, evocative images and summaries that help the client discover the logic of the trap from inside.

The therapist does not argue the client out of fear. Instead, the conversation leads to an experiential insight: the more I try to control this, the more I lose control; the more I avoid, the more dangerous it becomes; the more I ask for reassurance, the less reassured I feel.

The discovery should feel like the client's own conclusion.

Strategic prescription

A prescription is a precise task designed to interrupt the attempted solution. It may be paradoxical, behavioral, ritualized or observational. Examples include scheduling the worst fantasy, delaying rituals, performing a ritual by appointment, acting as if the fear were absent, or recording prediction versus reality.

The wording is crucial. The task is not advice and not exposure in a generic sense. It is tailored to the specific maintaining cycle.

Explain only as much as needed for compliance. In some strategic tasks, too much explanation weakens the paradox.

Consolidation

When symptoms decrease, consolidate change by helping the client see what worked and how to maintain it. Review the old attempted solutions, the new actions, and the perceptual shift that made change possible.

Consolidation prevents relapse into the old strategy. The client learns to recognize the first signs of the previous trap and respond differently before the cycle rebuilds itself.

End with autonomy: the goal is not endless self-analysis, but practical freedom from the problem's operating logic.

Each session ends by deciding whether the same strategy continues, whether it must be adjusted, or whether the formulation was wrong and needs rebuilding.

Strategic DialogueStrategic Dialogue

Strategic Dialogue is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where strategic dialogue is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

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Follow-up questions:

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Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. & Salvini, A. (2007). The Strategic Dialogue. Karnac Books

Details →
Questions with Illusion of AlternativesQuestions with Illusion of Alternatives

Questions with Illusion of Alternatives is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where questions with illusion of alternatives is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

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Follow-up questions:

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Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. & Salvini, A. (2007). The Strategic Dialogue. Karnac Books

Details →
Paraphrase with ReframingParaphrase with Reframing

Paraphrase with Reframing is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where paraphrase with reframing is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
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t
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s
l
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k
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h
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Follow-up questions:

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Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. & Watzlawick, P. (2005). Brief Strategic Therapy. Jason Aronson

Details →
Evocative ImageEvocative Image

Evocative Image is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where evocative image is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
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h
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Follow-up questions:

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w
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s
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f
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?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. & Salvini, A. (2007). The Strategic Dialogue. Karnac Books

Details →
Fear of Fear PrescriptionFear of Fear Prescription

Fear of Fear Prescription is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where fear of fear prescription is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
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Follow-up questions:

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Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. (1995). Brief Strategic Solution-Oriented Therapy of Phobic and Obsessive Disorders. Jason Aronson

Details →
Scheduled Worst FantasyScheduled Worst Fantasy

Scheduled Worst Fantasy is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where scheduled worst fantasy is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
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s
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Follow-up questions:

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Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. & Watzlawick, P. (2005). Brief Strategic Therapy. Jason Aronson

Details →
Ritual by AppointmentRitual by Appointment

Ritual by Appointment is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where ritual by appointment is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
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k
a
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h
o
w
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h
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Follow-up questions:

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t
f
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s
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Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. (1996). Brief Strategic Solution-Oriented Therapy of Phobic and Obsessive Disorders. Jason Aronson

Details →
Counter-RitualCounter-Ritual

Counter-Ritual is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where counter ritual is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
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o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
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Follow-up questions:

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f
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w
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Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. & Portelli, C. (2005). Knowing Through Changing

Details →
Small Disorder PrescriptionSmall Disorder Prescription

Small Disorder Prescription is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where small disorder prescription is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
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n
l
y
i
n
s
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d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
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n
o
t
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c
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s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
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n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. (1996). Brief Strategic Solution-Oriented Therapy of Phobic and Obsessive Disorders. Jason Aronson

Details →
ReframingReframing

Reframing is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where reframing is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
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h
i
s
p
a
t
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e
r
n
w
o
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k
s
b
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n
p
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,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Watzlawick, P. Weakland, J. & Fisch, R. (1974). Change. G. & Watzlawick, P. (2005). Brief Strategic Therapy. Jason Aronson

Details →
Problem RedefinitionProblem Redefinition

Problem Redefinition is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where problem redefinition is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
t
t
e
r
n
w
o
r
k
s
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
p
e
o
p
l
e
,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. & Salvini, A. (2007). The Strategic Dialogue. Karnac Books

Details →
As If TechniqueAs If Technique

As If Technique is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where as if technique is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
t
t
e
r
n
w
o
r
k
s
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
p
e
o
p
l
e
,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. & Watzlawick, P. (2005). Brief Strategic Therapy. Jason Aronson

Details →
Prescribing the WorstPrescribing the Worst

Prescribing the Worst is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where prescribing the worst is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
t
t
e
r
n
w
o
r
k
s
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
p
e
o
p
l
e
,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Watzlawick, P. Weakland, J. & Fisch, R. (1974). Change. G. & Watzlawick, P. (2005). Brief Strategic Therapy. Jason Aronson

Details →
Prediction DiaryPrediction Diary

Prediction Diary is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where prediction diary is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
t
t
e
r
n
w
o
r
k
s
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
p
e
o
p
l
e
,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. (1995). Brief Strategic Solution-Oriented Therapy of Phobic and Obsessive Disorders. Jason Aronson

Details →
Small Step PrescriptionSmall Step Prescription

Small Step Prescription is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where small step prescription is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
t
t
e
r
n
w
o
r
k
s
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
p
e
o
p
l
e
,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. Verbitz, T. & Milanese, R. (1999). Food Jails. Karnac Books

Details →
Planned TransgressionPlanned Transgression

Planned Transgression is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where planned transgression is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
t
t
e
r
n
w
o
r
k
s
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
p
e
o
p
l
e
,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. Verbitz, T. & Milanese, R. (1999). Food Jails. Karnac Books

Details →
Pleasure RitualPleasure Ritual

Pleasure Ritual is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where pleasure ritual is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
t
t
e
r
n
w
o
r
k
s
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
p
e
o
p
l
e
,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. Verbitz, T. & Milanese, R. (1999). Food Jails. Karnac Books

Details →
Strategic DistractorsStrategic Distractors

Strategic Distractors is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where strategic distractors is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
t
t
e
r
n
w
o
r
k
s
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
p
e
o
p
l
e
,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. (1996). Brief Strategic Solution-Oriented Therapy of Phobic and Obsessive Disorders. Jason Aronson

Details →
Minimum Changes StrategyMinimum Changes Strategy

Minimum Changes Strategy is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where minimum changes strategy is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
t
t
e
r
n
w
o
r
k
s
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
p
e
o
p
l
e
,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Watzlawick, P. Weakland, J. & Fisch, R. (1974). Change. G. & Portelli, C. (2005). Knowing Through Changing

Details →
Client AutonomizationClient Autonomization

Client Autonomization is a Brief Strategic Therapy technique used to notice and shift the maintaining pattern around the presenting problem. It helps the therapist move from blame to sequence, from isolated behavior to relational function, and from abstract explanation to an observable next step.

  • Define the concrete situation where client autonomization is relevant.
  • Map who does what first, who responds next, and what the symptom or problem changes in the system.
  • Ask questions that reveal difference, timing, perspective and relational effect.
  • Offer a small intervention, reframe or task that fits the working hypothesis.
  • Review what changed, who noticed it, and whether the pattern became more flexible.

When to use:

  • When the problem is maintained by repeated interactional sequences.
  • When family members are stuck in blame and need a relational map.
  • When the therapist needs a concrete intervention linked to a systemic hypothesis.

Key phrases:

L
e
t
'
s
l
o
o
k
a
t
h
o
w
t
h
i
s
p
a
t
t
e
r
n
w
o
r
k
s
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
p
e
o
p
l
e
,
n
o
t
o
n
l
y
i
n
s
i
d
e
o
n
e
p
e
r
s
o
n
.

Follow-up questions:

W
h
o
n
o
t
i
c
e
s
i
t
f
i
r
s
t
,
w
h
a
t
h
a
p
p
e
n
s
n
e
x
t
,
a
n
d
w
h
o
r
e
a
c
t
s
a
f
t
e
r
t
h
a
t
?

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Do not use systemic neutrality to minimize violence, coercion or acute risk.
  • ⚠️ Do not turn the technique into blame disguised as analysis.
  • ⚠️ Use only when the family has enough safety and alliance to observe the pattern.

Nardone, G. & Watzlawick, P. (2005). Brief Strategic Therapy. Jason Aronson. Nardone, G. & Portelli, C. (2005). Knowing Through Changing

Details →

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📋 Structured diary
Strategic Diary

Nardone's model uses strategic interventions to break vicious circles.

By noticing failed attempted solutions, you find new strategies.

Record the problem → attempted solutions → prescription → result.

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Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.