In solution-focused brief therapy, which technique identifies times when the problem is absent?

In solution-focused brief therapy, which technique identifies times when the problem is absent?

• A. Exception question
• B. Now question
• C. Scaling question
• D. Miracle question

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is focusing on exceptions — moments when the problem isn’t present or is much less severe — to uncover what’s working and how change happens. In solution-focused brief therapy, exception questions invite the client to recall times when the issue did not occur or was minimal. By asking about those moments, the therapist helps reveal patterns, conditions, or actions that reduced the problem, along with the strengths or resources the client used. This shifts attention from the problem itself to effective strategies and situations that support progress, boosting the client’s sense of possibilities and self-efficacy. This approach differs from other techniques: the miracle question asks clients to imagine a future where the problem is solved, which guides goal setting but doesn’t identify real moments when the problem is absent. The now question concentrates on the present state of the problem. The scaling question measures intensity or progress along a continuum. Since identifying times when the problem is absent is exactly what exception questions do, it’s the best fit. For example, you might ask, “When did you notice this problem wasn’t present, and what was different then?”

The idea being tested is focusing on exceptions — moments when the problem isn’t present or is much less severe — to uncover what’s working and how change happens. In solution-focused brief therapy, exception questions invite the client to recall times when the issue did not occur or was minimal. By asking about those moments, the therapist helps reveal patterns, conditions, or actions that reduced the problem, along with the strengths or resources the client used. This shifts attention from the problem itself to effective strategies and situations that support progress, boosting the client’s sense of possibilities and self-efficacy.

This approach differs from other techniques: the miracle question asks clients to imagine a future where the problem is solved, which guides goal setting but doesn’t identify real moments when the problem is absent. The now question concentrates on the present state of the problem. The scaling question measures intensity or progress along a continuum. Since identifying times when the problem is absent is exactly what exception questions do, it’s the best fit. For example, you might ask, “When did you notice this problem wasn’t present, and what was different then?”