The client rates state, progress or confidence on a scale from 0 to 10. The technique arose spontaneously when a client told de Shazer that he was already almost at 10, and therapists began to use numbers systematically. A scale turns subjective, elusive experience into a conversational measure and helps the client track movement. The key question is not the number itself but "why not lower?" because it activates resources and what has already been achieved.
Step-by-step guide
- Set the scale: "On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is the worst it has been and 10 is how things will be when solved, where are you now?"
- Explore from below: "Why N and not lower? What is already there that keeps you at this level?"
- Ask about the next step: "What would need to happen to move one point higher?"
- Use the answer to plan a concrete next experiment or observation.
- Repeat at later sessions to track movement.
When to use
- Tracking progress between sessions.
- Setting concrete next steps rather than abstract goals.
- Working with motivation and confidence.
- When the client says nothing changes and the scale can make movement visible.
- Assessing risk or motivation when used carefully.
Key phrases
On a scale from 0 to 10, where are you now? Zero is the worst it has been, and ten is how it will be when things are solved.
Follow-up questions
Why N and not lower? What is already there that keeps you at this point?
What would need to happen to move one point higher, just one, not all the way to 10?
Who close to you might give you a higher score, and why?
Alternative phrasings
On a confidence scale, how much do you believe you can do this?
If 0 means you cannot change anything and 10 means you fully influence the situation, where are you now?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not interpret the number for the client; ask what it means to them.
- ⚠️ If the client says 0 or 10, explore carefully because extremes are often less useful.
- ⚠️ The scale is a conversational and reflective tool, not an objective measurement device.
Source: de Shazer & Berg, approximately 1984-1988; de Shazer, 1988
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.