Scaling Questions — Motivation and Confidence — The Bruges Model

Two separate scales for two different parameters: motivation to change (how much I want) and confidence in success (how much I can). A gap between high motivation and low confidence points not to resistance but to a deficit of resources. Scaling visualizes progress and gives the client a language to talk about change. The question "why not lower" always helps to uncover hidden resources.

Step-by-step guide

Introduce the scale from 0 to 10 (0 = no motivation/confidence, 10 = the maximum)
Ask the current position: "Where are you on this scale now?"
Inquire why not lower: "What is already there that holds you at [X], and not at zero?"
A small step up: "What is needed to be at [X+1]?"
With low confidence — move on to looking for resources and past successes

When to use

When assessing readiness for change at the initial stage
When the client doubts the possibility of change
At the start and end of the session to track dynamics
When motivation and confidence diverge — to diagnose the obstacles

Key phrases

On a scale from 0 to 10, how much do you want to change the situation?

How confident are you that you can do this if you want to?

Follow-up questions

What keeps you at [X], and not lower? What is already working?

What would help you move one step?

What is needed for your confidence to be a little higher?

Alternative phrasings

If 0 is full hopelessness and 10 is you will definitely manage, where are you now?

When was the last time you were one point higher? What was different then?

Warnings

⚠️ Do not interpret low confidence as resistance — it is a signal of a resource deficit
⚠️ Motivation and confidence are different constructs, assess them separately
⚠️ Do not push for moving up the scale — accept the current position as the starting point

Source: Isebaert, 2016; De Shazer & Isebaert, 2003; González Suitt et al. 2019