The classic SFBT question: suppose a miracle happens overnight and the problem is solved, but the client does not know because they are asleep. What will tell them in the morning that the miracle happened? The question creates a detailed picture of solution without needing to analyze the problem. De Shazer and Berg observed that answers automatically create a direction for therapy and between-session experiments.
Step-by-step guide
- Prepare the client: "I want to ask an unusual question that uses imagination."
- Ask slowly, with pauses, and give the client time.
- After the first answer, ask for detail: "What else? What would other people notice?"
- Ask about relationships: "How would your partner, colleagues or children behave?"
- Find pieces of the miracle that are already happening now.
When to use
- When the client is stuck describing the problem and cannot formulate a goal.
- Early in work when the goal needs to be stated in positive terms.
- With clients living away from the problem rather than toward a goal.
- As preparation for the pretend technique.
Key phrases
Suppose that tonight, while you are asleep, a miracle happens. The problem that brought you here is solved. But because you were asleep, you do not know the miracle happened. When you wake up tomorrow morning, what will be the first thing that tells you the miracle happened?
Follow-up questions
What else would be different?
How would people close to you notice? What would they see or hear?
Is there anything from this that already happens sometimes, even a little?
Alternative phrasings
What would be one small first sign that the miracle had happened?
If someone filmed you on the day after the miracle, what would be on the recording?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Ask slowly and do not rush after "I don't know."
- ⚠️ If the client moves into unrealistic fantasy, gently return to behavioral details of life.
- ⚠️ Do not use during acute crisis before stabilization.
Source: de Shazer, 1988; Berg & de Shazer, 1993; originally formulated by Insoo Kim Berg in 1984
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.