← Tags

Solution-focus

10 techniques · 1 approach
BRIEF
Best Hopes
Best Hopes
The signature London BRIEF opening question for a first session: "What are your best hopes from our working together?" It replaces the tradi…
BRIEF
EARS
EARS (Elicit, Amplify, Reinforce, Start Over)
A process framework for working with progress and instances: moments when the preferred future is already happening. Elicit means drawing ou…
BRIEF
Exception Finding
Exception Finding
A technique for finding moments when the problem was absent or less intense. De Shazer assumed that a problem is never completely constant; …
BRIEF
First Session Formula Task
First Session Formula Task (FSFT)
A universal first-session task from de Shazer: a skeleton key for initiating change. The client is asked to observe what is already good in …
BRIEF
Miracle Question
Miracle Question
The classic SFBT question: suppose a miracle happens overnight and the problem is solved, but the client does not know because they are asle…
BRIEF
Preferred Future
Preferred Future (Tomorrow Question)
A minimalist version of the Miracle Question developed in London BRIEF. Instead of a long ritual wording about a miracle, the therapist asks…
BRIEF
Pretend Technique
Pretend Technique
The client is invited to act as if the desired change had already happened, in a playful experimental way. Pretending reduces perfectionisti…
BRIEF
Scaling Questions
Scaling Questions
The client rates state, progress or confidence on a scale from 0 to 10. The technique arose spontaneously when a client told de Shazer that …
BRIEF
Skeleton Keys
Skeleton Keys
De Shazer used the metaphor of a skeleton key: one key opens many different locks. Skeleton keys are formula interventions: universal tasks …
BRIEF
What's Better?
What's Better?
The signature London BRIEF opening question for every follow-up session. It replaces neutral openings such as "How are you?" or "How was you…
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.