A process framework for working with progress and instances: moments when the preferred future is already happening. Elicit means drawing out change with a question that presupposes progress. Amplify means asking for detail so the client experiences the success more fully. Reinforce means acknowledging the significance of the change without taking credit or praising from above. Start Over means asking "what else is better?" and repeating the cycle. London BRIEF prefers the term instances to exceptions: exceptions are tied to the problem, while instances are tied to the solution.
Step-by-step guide
- Elicit: ask "What is better?" or "Which signs of your best hopes have you noticed?"
- Amplify: ask for detail: when exactly, what was different, who noticed, what happened next.
- Reinforce: acknowledge the client's contribution: "How did you manage that?" or "What does that say about you?"
- Start over: ask "What else is better?" and repeat as long as the client finds material.
When to use
- Follow-up sessions as the main conversation structure.
- In a first session after the preferred future description, when searching for instances.
- Whenever the client reports any progress.
- During scaling when the score is higher than before.
Key phrases
What is better since we last met?
Follow-up questions
Tell me more about that. When exactly did it happen?
What was different this time? What were you doing differently?
Who noticed? What did they see?
How did you manage to do that?
Alternative phrasings
That sounds like an important change. What does it tell you about yourself?
What else is better? What else did you notice?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not skip Amplify; one brief "good" is not enough.
- ⚠️ Do not evaluate progress for the client; acknowledge rather than praise.
- ⚠️ If the client says nothing is better, move to coping questions.
- ⚠️ EARS is a live conversational process, not a mechanical protocol.
Source: De Jong & Berg, 2002; Ratner, George & Iveson, 2012; BRIEF (London)
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.