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Social workers who utilize the solution-focused model are mindful of how their conversations with their clients, families, groups, or even community members facilitate their thinking about solutions. The client is always the “expert,” and therefore social workers ask questions to explore how the client perceives the problem and situation. Social workers may use solution-focused questions such as the miracle question. For example, “Suppose you woke up one morning and by some miracle everything you ever wanted, everything good you could ever imagine for yourself, had actually happened—your life had turned out exactly the way you wanted it. What would be different in your life?” When clients are asked this, it forces them to reflect on what they want or would like to achieve.

By projecting themselves into the future, clients are more likely to imagine what is possible rather than focusing on the past and their failures. This allows for the possibility of developing solutions. In this Discussion, you apply the solution-focused model and solution-focused questions. You provide other solution-focused questions, similar to the miracle question that was provided for you. Although the textbook provides actual examples of solution-focused questions, always think about your client—you may have to modify the question a bit to take into account the client’s age, cognitive and developmental stage, culture, etc., so that the question makes sense to the client.

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During my fieldwork experience, I encountered a case involving a teenage client struggling with school attendance and communication issues with his family. The client perceived the problem as feeling overwhelmed by academic pressures and feeling misunderstood at home, leading to chronic absenteeism and emotional withdrawal. This perception was shared by his family, who were concerned about his academic decline and lack of participation in family activities.

From the list of solution-focused questions on page 520, I selected two types: exception questions and scaling questions. First, I asked the client, “Can you tell me about a time when you did attend school regularly or when you felt more connected with your family? What was different during those times?” This exception question aims to highlight moments when the problem was less intense or absent, helping the client recognize times he was successful and identify supportive circumstances or behaviors. Recognizing these exceptions can foster hope and reveal potential solutions or strategies that can be reinforced or expanded.

Secondly, I asked, “On a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is feeling completely disconnected and overwhelmed, and 10 is feeling fully engaged and in control, where do you see yourself now? What would need to happen to move you one step higher on this scale?” This scaling question encourages the client to assess his current situation realistically and identify small, manageable steps toward improvement. It helps him develop a sense of agency by clarifying what actions or changes could increase his sense of connection and well-being, promoting goal-setting and motivation.

Asking these questions would help the client in developing solutions by prompting reflection on times of success and encouraging a sense of hope and possibility. The exception question assists the client in recognizing strengths and resources that can be built upon, while the scaling question empowers him to see that progress can be incremental and achievable. These questions guide the client in visualizing solutions and taking concrete steps toward change.

Reflecting on this experience, I felt a sense of hope and curiosity, sensing that these questions might help the client feel more empowered and optimistic. I believe the client might also feel more understood and motivated to work toward positive change, seeing that his strengths and small improvements are significant steps forward.

References

• De Shazer, S., & Berg, I. K. (2014). Building solutions: Preserving the positive. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Gilligan, S., & Manley, J. (2017). Solution-focused therapy: Theory, research & practice. Sage Publications.
• Kim, J. S. (2005). Examining the foundations of solution-focused brief therapy. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 24(2), 15-30.
• O’Hanlon, B., & Weiner-Davis, M. (2003). In search of solutions: A new direction in psychotherapeutic change. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Hudgins, M. K., & Whitaker, K. (2020). Solution-focused practice in social work. Journal of Social Work Practice, 34(4), 423-437.
• Rabo, A., & de Shazer, S. (2010). Solution-focused therapy. In K. S. Schwartz (Ed.), Handbook of solution-focused brief therapy (pp. 45-59). Springer.
• Tipton, L. W., & de Shazer, S. (2015). Solutions-focused case management: Reaching beyond recovery. Routledge.
• Walter, J. M., & Peller, J. (2017). The miracle question: Using wonder to enhance change. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 47(1), 33-41.
• Wark, L. (2007). Solution-focused brief therapy: Principles and practice. Open University Press.
• Zulauf, S. (2018). Engaging clients through solution-focused questioning. Journal of Social Work Practice, 32(2), 239-253.