Four Levels of Engagement

Isebaert expanded de Shazer's classical three-level typology to four levels: Uncommitted, Searching, Consultative, Expert. The level determines the type of therapeutic relationship and the choice of interventions. The key principle — the therapist adapts every intervention to the current level, without forcing the transition. The level is dynamic and can change within a single session.

Step-by-step guide

1. Assess the current level through the nature of the request and the client's behavior at the start of the session
2. At the "Uncommitted" level — look for strengths, give compliments, offer reflection on consequences
3. At the "Searching" level — ask the Miracle Question, scaling, look for exceptions and pre-session changes
4. At the "Consultative" level — co-formulate a working goal, look for resources
5. At the "Expert" level — confirm the autonomy, plan the closing of therapy

When to use

• At the start of every session and when the relationship dynamics shift
• Especially important with mandated clients and in the first session with an unclear request
• When you sense that the client is "resisting" or not moving
• On relapse or loss of motivation in the course of therapy
• When the chosen interventions are not working — diagnosis through this frame

Key phrases

Follow-up questions

Alternative phrasings