Exception-Finding, Bruges Adaptation — The Bruges Model

The search for periods when problem use was absent or less pronounced, and a detailed inquiry into what the client did differently in those moments. In the Bruges adaptation, special emphasis is placed on intentional exceptions — those in which the client's role was active, not accidental. Attributing the exception to the client's actions strengthens self-efficacy and creates the basis for a plan. After a relapse — look for exceptions inside the relapse period itself.

Step-by-step guide

Ask about periods without the problem or with less of it
Specify: when, where, with whom, what the client was doing
Attribute the exception to the client's actions: "How did you manage that?"
Strengthen: "What does this say about you?"
Translate into a plan: "What of this can you use now?"

When to use

In every session, especially with the request "nothing is working"
After a relapse — look for exceptions inside the relapse period
When the client is convinced that their problem is unchanging
As a transition from describing the problem to building the solution
To form a plan based on behavior the client has already proven

Key phrases

Were there days or periods when you did not drink, or drank less? What was different?

How did you manage to hold back then? What exactly were you doing?

Follow-up questions

What does this say about your resources?

When was it better — even a little?

What of this could you do again?

Alternative phrasings

Even if it was a short moment — tell me about it in detail

What helped you back then — what was in you or around you?

Warnings

⚠️ Do not confuse accidental exceptions (circumstances) with intentional ones (the client's actions) — work with the intentional ones
⚠️ Do not force it if the client sees no exceptions — switch to scaling or coping questions
⚠️ Do not devalue small exceptions — they matter as anchor points

Source: De Shazer & Isebaert, 2003; González Suitt et al. 2019