In solution-focused therapy, how would a therapist likely begin the miracle question?

In solution-focused therapy, the miracle question is a key technique designed to help clients envision a future in which their problems are resolved. The correct approach emphasizes the occurrence of a miraculous event that brings about positive change, allowing clients to focus on their desired outcomes.

The phrasing "If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?" lacks the element of envisioning a miraculous event and the specifics of how that transformation would manifest. Similarly, while "What would your life be like without this problem?" suggests a reflection on life post-problem, it does not engage the client in the same imaginative framing that the miracle question does. The option that imagines waking up to everything being perfect skirts the formality of the miracle question by not clearly framing the connection between the miracle event and the resolution of specific issues.

The chosen response effectively engages the client to visualize how they would recognize that a miracle had occurred, prompting them to identify tangible changes and new behaviors, thus making it an essential component for generating solutions in therapy. This technique catalyzes hope and facilitates discussion about the steps needed to bridge the gap between their current situation and their envisioned future, which is pivotal to solution-focused therapy's approach.