ABSTRACT
Goal setting provides direction for therapy. In solution-focused (SF) therapy, goal setting often begins by asking the client his or her hopes for the session. However, to determine what the client would like to be different in the more distant future, the therapist might ask the miracle question, a question unique to SF therapy, and then work with the client to break the goal down into smaller, concrete, and realistic goals. Scaling questions provide an approach, amenable to the use of concrete materials, to help the client discuss his or her current position and then project what the client will be doing when the next step is achieved. The authors provide optional approaches for wording the miracle question and ideas and examples of ways to visualize, illustrate, and create goals and smaller steps to reach goals. Creative and playful approaches are also provided to empower clients to reach goals using various forms of role play, enlisting others for help, and employing time management skills.
