ABSTRACT
Questions are an extremely useful tool when developing stories together with clients. In the context of systemic therapy work, questions are often asked to construct a positive vision, clarifying the client's goals and identifying what steps might need to be taken to get there. Systemic questions have other important features from a hypnotherapeutic perspective; for the most part they are by no means neutral but instead contain implications, and not only expand the available information but also introduce new ideas discreetly. The relatively small number of solution metaphors can be reinforced and expanded by the therapist, preferably in dialogue with the client. The rules underlying a metaphor are taken seriously by the therapist and followed through to their logical conclusion. A very effective way of designing metaphors involves recognising that a metaphor is in oneself rather than oneself being in the metaphor, and that a metaphor resembles an animated produced in one's head.
