De Shazer used the metaphor of a skeleton key: one key opens many different locks. Skeleton keys are formula interventions: universal tasks that can be useful across many different problems without detailed analysis of content. De Shazer's radical discovery was that the solution does not have to be directly related to the problem. Famous keys include FSFT, "do something different" and "pretend." The mechanism is learning new behavior through a standardized but flexible algorithm.
Step-by-step guide
- Find out what the client usually does when the problem begins.
- Offer one of the skeleton keys, for example: "Next time this starts, do anything different."
- Clarify possible versions of different behavior and give a few examples if needed.
- Emphasize that it does not have to be the right solution; it only needs to be different.
- At the next session, ask what happened and what the client noticed.
When to use
- When the pattern is unclear but some intervention is needed now.
- When the client resists more specific or personalized tasks.
- At the end of a first session as a standard task.
- Across varied problems with no obvious common theme.
Key phrases
When this starts again, do anything that you do not usually do. Literally anything different. It does not have to be right; just different.
Follow-up questions
Do not think too much about whether it will help. Sing, write, walk, do anything as long as it differs from the usual route.
This does not mean doing something strange or risky. It means stepping out of the automatic route.
Then tell me what happened. We are interested in the difference itself, not in its deep meaning.
Alternative phrasings
For one day this week, pretend the miracle has already happened.
Each evening, predict what tomorrow will be like, then compare it with what actually happens.
Warnings
- ⚠️ "Anything different" does not mean dangerous or destructive; clarify this in advance.
- ⚠️ The technique works by interrupting automatic patterns, not by insight; do not overexplain.
- ⚠️ It may not fit clients expecting deep causal work unless expectations are discussed first.
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.