ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a technique that combines externalizing the problem with scaling questions called "visual" scaling. Combining externalization with scaling questions helps children initiate and maintain change within the therapeutic context. Berg and de Shazer developed scaling questions to transform abstract concepts into more tangible thoughts: "Scaling questions were first developed to help both therapist and client talk about nonspecific topics such as depression or communication". As Kowalski and Kral suggest: the scale builds on the assumption of change in the desired direction. White and Epston define "externalizing" as "an approach to therapy that encourages persons to objectify and, at times, to personify the problems that they experience as oppressive". This chapter explores that therapy accommodate younger children with approaches that are tailored to fit their developmental level. The proposed "visual" scaling seems to naturally fit children's worldview, encourages their active participation in therapy, and provides a concrete process of measuring progress and enhancing the change process.
