Miracle Question Research Articles

Solutions not problems

The government’s regime of target setting for public services has been subject to increasing criticism. The number of targets, who sets them and the interactions between the target setter and user have been challenged in reports from the Audit Commission. This article reports on the findings of an experiment in which a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach was used to define suitable targets for change and the improvement of service outcomes in one integrated mental health residential rehabilitation service. The paper describes in detail the type of information which was elicited from a Solution-Focused questionnaire containing ‘the miracle question’ which was distributed to both service users and staff. In particular, the discussion focuses on the advantages of using the approach as a management tool for translating the experientially based responses of both service users and staff into measurable practical action.

E. Veronica Bliss and Genevieve Edmonds: A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome: Solution Focused Approach

If I thought I knew a thing or two about treatment and about individuals diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome or on the spectrum, ‘‘A self-determined future with Asperger syndrome: solution focused approach’’ made me pause and self-reflect about what I truly knew. Aside from being a unique piece of professional publication that is written from the therapist perspective and the patient perspective, this book has done to me something that other books in the recent past were not able to do, and that is: back to basic! Much of what individuals on the spectrum are presented with in their daily lives has to do with managing the everyday life. This book brings the daily living to the front and center of attention of the discussion. The authors of the book were able to fantastically focus on individual solutions that fit a particular person rather than present information that focuses on the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or the symptoms associated with that diagnosis. Although much of the information in this book is presented from an authority based perspective of treatment, the consistent mentioning and concentration on skills, abilities and strengths, present to the reader how the patient/client lead as the therapist pace them. This is truly refreshing to read! The solution focused approach is a ‘‘nonproblem talk’’ which is a positive lens to view life circumstances. Throughout the book, the authors provided ample examples of solutions focused technique that may work with a person on the spectrum. This allowed the reader see the treatment ‘‘in action.’’ Aside from the approach abovementioned, the authors of the book presented examples of particular skills to be used in treatment with individuals on the spectrum (e.g., the miracle question, paraphrasing and scaling 0–10, etc.). The book is easy to read, funny and takes the reader straight to the point with sarcasm that I personally appreciate. The authors have captivated my attention in three ways: first, the authors have done a remarkable work in allowing the reader to have a better understanding of the daily challenges individuals on the spectrum experience. Second, the authors described the philosophy associated with solution focused treatment. And lastly, they brought it all together and presented how to implement everything with a client. Perhaps one of the most important chapters of this book is the one which provided the lens of using solution focused treatment with everyday life. Recent professional literature has shown an increase interest in vocational and employment related services for individuals on the spectrum. The authors have made an effort emphasizing matters for considerations of employers as well as employees on the spectrum. Moreover, both E. veronica Bliss and Genevieve Edmonds discuss the daily living issues of education and relationship in a simple, easy to understand language. This brings the book a full circle to the beginning with the discussion about the tasks of life and its influence on individuals on the spectrum. This book is a must for every therapist currently working with individuals on the spectrum or one who have desire to do so. Much if not all of the information in this book is very useful for education of employers who are considering adding an individual with an ASD to their workforce. The firsthand experience of the authors is entrancing as well as provides certain level of credibility for me that cannot be accomplished by reading the traditional evidence based practice literature. O. Shtayermman (&) Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, NYIT School of Health Professions, Kenneth Riland, Room 349, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000, USA e-mail: oshtayer@nyit.edu

Making Positive Change: A Randomized Study Comparing Solution-Focused vs. Problem-Focused Coaching Questions

This study compared the effects of problem-focused and solution-focused coaching questions on positive and negative affect, self-efficacy, goal approach, and action planning. A total of 225 participants were randomly assigned to either a problem-focused or solution-focused coaching condition. All participants described a real-life problem that they wanted to solve and set a goal to solve that problem. They then completed a set of measures that assessed levels of positive and negative affect, self-efficacy, and goal attainment. In the problem-focused coaching condition 108 participants then responded to a number of problem-focused coaching questions and then completed a second set of measures. The 117 participants in a solution-focused coaching session completed a mirror image of the problem-focused condition, responding to solution-focused questions including the “Miracle Question.” Both the problem-focused and the solution-focused coaching conditions were effective at enhancing goal approach. However, th...

Making a Difference in Making Miracles: Common Roadblocks to Miracle Question Effectiveness

This article describes a clinical investigation of student-therapists' use of the miracle question (MQ). Data used for this project came from transcribed role-play videotapes by six student-therapists. Transcripts were coded, and findings highlight challenges that prevent beginning therapists from effectively using the MQ. The primary themes that emerged were problems related to introducing, framing, and following up on the MQ. Practical recommendations are offered for improving therapist training in effective use of the MQ.

Producing Evidence of a Miracle: Exemplars of Therapy Conversation With a Survivor of Torture

This article illustrates the termination sessions of a therapy case with a survivor of torture, displaced to the United States after facing targeted persecution in his home country. Using methods of qualitative research in the naturalistic paradigm, I examine the case of the client's torture rehabilitation experience through his descriptions and evaluation of the therapy process. Excerpts from the dialogue of the final 2 sessions, during which we discussed the client's past and future through the miracle question, are highlighted in this article. A case is made for further multimodal qualitative analyses of therapy conversation with this population.

I miracoli e la metamorfosi spinoziana del Leviatano: sulla costituzione del pensiero liberale

Traditionally, there is a tendency to conceive of Hobbes as the champion of absolutism, while Spinoza is numbered among the founding fathers of political liberalism. Be that as it may, the aim of this paper is to underline the complexity of that widespread belief. To do so, I focus on the role that the question of miracles plays in both Hobbes’ and Spinoza’s works. On the whole, I strongly believe that, as far as the political debate of the XVII century is concerned, religious commitments represent not only an applicative field but also a theoretical background. I start by presenting Hobbes’s position on miracles. I show that, although he is forced to acknowledge a certain space for private freedom of thought, this admission itself will lead to a paradoxical result undermining the authority of the Leviathan as a whole. Secondly, I show that, in the TTP, Spinoza makes use of different Hobbesian arguments on miracles and authority by shifting the boundary between private and public. In conclusion, I contend that it is not misguided to conceive of Spinoza as one of the first advocates of the freedom of thought as a cornerstone of governmental authority. However, I also argue that the strong commitment expressed by Hobbes to a certain degree of laicisation of the Commonwealth has to be regarded as a consequence of the political liberalism embedded in it by Hobbes himself.

All we need is a miracle: Using a solution-based approach to human resource management in hospitals

This article aims to make a contribution on two fronts: managing people in Australian hospitals and research methodology. The article introduces and explains an innovative data collection method: adapting and using the ‘miracle question’ in the field of human resource management (HRM). Researchers in other fields have used the miracle question, but it has not been used hitherto in HRM research. The purpose of the paper is to examine staff responses from three hospitals on how to improve hospital performance by focusing less on problems but more on solutions.

Exploring the use of the ‘Adapted Miracle Question’ in the assessment of low back pain

Background Low back pain is a complex condition, often recurring or chronic, which has proved difficult to characterise. To explore an alternative approach to assessing low back pain, an expert panel adapted the ‘Miracle Question’ from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. This asks about a forward scenario of waking without the problems that the client had presented with. The question was adapted to: What would you do if you did not have back pain? Objectives To explore the use of the Adapted Miracle Question (AMQ) within an interview study of patients with low back pain. Design, setting and participants The AMQ was used in an interview study of 34 participants recruited from the UK Back Skills Training (BeST) trial, assessing the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural approach intervention for the management of low back pain. Responses to the AMQ were analysed thematically and then case by case. Results Interviewees talked about details of their activities and ability to function that would be different, and about change to their quality of life. Some talked about work. Five interviewees said that it would make no difference to them. When considered overall, the responses could be categorised as: no change; some change in activity/function; a return to their pre-back pain state; and life would be transformed. Conclusion The AMQ was straightforward to ask and prompted a breadth of responses which may be useful in tailoring treatment. This question warrants further evaluation in the clinical setting.

Positioning Oneself Within an Epistemology: Refining Our Thinking About Integrative Approaches

Integrative approaches seem to be paramount in the current climate of family therapy and other psychotherapies. However, integration between and among theories and practices can only occur within a specific epistemology. This article makes a distinction between three different epistemologies: individualizing, systems, and poststructural. It then makes the argument that one can integrate theories within epistemologies and one can adopt practices and some theoretical concepts across theories and across epistemologies, but that it is impossible to integrate theories across epistemologies. It further states that although social constructionism has influenced much of contemporary psychological thinking, because of the divergence between a structural and a poststructural approach, constructionism looks different depending upon one's epistemological stance. Examples of integration within epistemologies and of what looks like integration across epistemologies (but is not) further illustrate these important distinctions. The conclusions reached here are crucial to our philosophical considerations, our pedagogical assumptions, and implications for both research and a reflexive clinical practice.

Solution Focused Group Treatment with Publicly Funded Alcohol/Other Drug Abuse Clients in Rural Settings

The unique challenges associated with providing substance abuse treatment in rural settings with publicly funded clients are examined. Solution-focused strategies have proven particularly well suited to these settings. Strategies and techniques discussed include a strong focus on client engagement and use of client feedback, focus on “wellness,” use of the “miracle question,” and exception periods.

Miracles and violations

AbstractThe claim that a miracle is a violation of a law of nature has sometimes been used as part of an a priori argument against the possibility of miracle, on the grounds that a violation is conceptually impossible. I criticize these accounts but also suggest that alternative accounts, when phrased in terms of laws of nature, fail to provide adequate conceptual space for miracles. It is not clear what a ‘violation’ of a law of nature might be, but this is not relevant to the question of miracles. In practice, accounts of miracle tend to be phrased in terms of God's act not in terms of laws of nature. Finally, I suggest that the a priori argument reflects an intellectual commitment that is widely held, though wrongly built into the argument itself.

The differential effects of solution‐focused and problem‐focused coaching questions: a pilot study with implications for practice

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the differential effects of problem‐focused and solution‐focused coaching questions by means of a literature overview and results of an exploratory pilot study.Design/methodology/approachIn a problem‐focused coaching session 39 participants complete a range of measures assessing self‐efficacy, their understanding of a problem, positive and negative affect, and goal approach. They then respond to a number of problem‐focused coaching questions, and then complete a second set of measures. The 35 participants in a solution‐focused session complete a mirror image of the problem‐focused condition, responding to solution‐focused coaching questions, including the “Miracle Question”.FindingsBoth the problem‐focused and the solution‐focused conditions are effective at enhancing goal approach. However, the solution‐focused group experience significantly greater increases in goal approach compared with the problem‐focused group. Problem‐focused questions reduce negative affect and increase self‐efficacy but do not increase understanding of the nature of the problem or enhance positive affect. The solution‐focused approach increases positive affect, decreases negative affect, increases self‐efficacy as well as increasing participants' insight and understanding of the nature of the problem.Practical implicationsSolution‐focused coaching questions appear to be more effective than problem‐focused questions. Although real‐life coaching conversations are not solely solution‐focused or solely problem‐focused, coaches should aim for a solution‐focused theme in their coaching work, if they wish to conduct effective goal‐focused coaching sessions that develop a depth of understanding, build self‐efficacy, reduce negative affect, increase positive affect and support the process of goal attainment.Originality/valueThis is the first study to explore this issue.

Helping Low-Conflict Divorced Parents Establish Appropriate Boundaries Using a Variation of the Miracle Question: An Integration of Solution-Focused Therapy and Structural Family Therapy

The authors discuss the implications of divorce and the effect that divorce has on the relationships between family members. Parents are encouraged to develop appropriate co-parental boundaries that direct and influence subsequent interactions between family members. Using an integration of solution-focused therapy and structural family therapy, a variation of the miracle question is suggested as a means to help parents gain confidence in making changes in behavior. The miracle question also is intended to help parents set new goals for themselves and increase the ability to cooperate and communicate as co-parents. A case study provides an example of this idea.

Constructing a Conversational “Miracle”: Examining the “Miracle Question” as It Is Used in Therapeutic Dialogue

Solution-focused counselors use the “miracle question” to elicit problem-free client accounts of experience consistent with the clients’ goals for therapy. In this article, we micro-analyzed how miracle questions were asked and answered by therapists and clients engaged in lifestyle consultations conducted for research purposes. Specifically, we examined the conversational practices and linguistic resources they used in introducing and responding to the use of the miracle question as an unscripted part of their consultation. We also invited clients and therapists back to independently review their participation in videotaped passages where they either asked or responded to miracle questions. Our analyses show the extent to which such developments in therapeutic dialogue are negotiated or socially constructed accomplishments between therapist and client. We relate our findings to optimizing the collaborative and resourceful use of miracle questions in therapeutic dialogue.

Using the Miracle Question in Community Engagement and Planning

Actively engaging community members in the revitalization of their neighborhoods is a goal of numerous planning initiatives. In this article, we provide a case example of how the solution-focused brief therapy's “miracle question” was used to engage members of a major metropolitan community in visualizing their dreams and planning strategies for change. Similar to outcomes with therapy clients, community members participated actively and were enthusiastic in communicating their outcomes. Dreams were realistic and important to participants, and suggested strategies were oriented toward first steps and recognized as involving effort by the community. Engagement and retention were sufficient to move forward with immediate actions and longer-term preparation. Benefits and suggested modifications are offered for community practitioners and researchers employing this method.

The Smallest Solution Focused Particles: Towards a Minimalist Definition of When Therapy is Solution Focused

This article addresses our difficulty with varying definitions of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). On the one hand it is defined by a minimalist philosophy of doing whatever works for the client and on the other hand it is defined by use of key techniques such as the miracle question. We discuss whether or not the requirement for us to do what makes sense for each client may bring us into conflict with the technique-oriented definitions of SFBT.

First session solution‐focused brief therapy with families who have a child with severe intellectual disabilities: mothers' experiences and views

This exploratory paper aimed to shed light on the experience of first session solution‐focused brief therapy (SFBT) for families who have a child with intellectual disabilities (ID). The therapist interviewed the participants, all mothers, two weeks after their initial session. The Helpful Aspects of Therapy Questionnaire (Llewelyn, 1988) was used with structured recall (Elliot and Shapiro, 1988), a procedure in which participants listen to excerpts from their therapeutic sessions identified by them as helpful or unhelpful. Interview transcripts were analysed by the therapist using interpretive phenomenological analysis (Smith, 2003).Three superordinate themes emerged from the interviews: (1) SFBT brought to mind the idea of ‘making the best of it’. (2) Examination of wishful thinking. (3) Therapeutic relationship. In addition, self‐efficacy recurred as a sub‐theme throughout. The ‘miracle question’ was perceived as irrelevant by the mothers and was the most frequently cited unhelpful event. It also seemed to be associated with shifts in wishful thinking. These mothers' experiences suggest that SFBT is a useful structure for first sessions particularly as it seems to build a useful therapeutic relationship, highlights self‐efficacy and may encourage helpful coping styles.

Solution-focused Brief Therapy with Families Who Have a Child with Intellectual Disabilities: A Description of the Content of Initial Sessions and the Processes

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is used in a range of child services but little is known about its application to families who have a child with severe or profound intellectual disabilities. This qualitative study examines SFBT with seven such families. It considers the content of sessions and the processes that occur from the practitioner's perspective. Participants' experiences are reported elsewhere (Lloyd & Dallos, submitted). A thematic analysis of seven initial sessions indicated that SFBT highlighted parents' competencies, goals and achievements. The 'miracle question' prompted a change in rapport, discussion about the impossibility of the child becoming 'normal' and a shift away from wishful thinking towards problem solving. In sessions processes emerged of empowerment, integration of the goals into the mothers' life narrative, understanding the child's abilities and clarification of the preferred future. These themes resonated with the literature on effective coping styles for these families. The cases suggest that SFBT can generate a useful parent-professional partnership. However, difficulties were encountered when a child with autism participated in the session. Consideration is given to the 'miracle question' and the inclusion of measures of self-efficacy, coping and the therapeutic relationship.

Solutions not problems

The government's regime of target setting for public services has been subject to increasing criticism. The number of targets, who sets them and the interactions between the target setter and user have been challenged in reports from the Audit Commission. This article reports on the findings of an experiment in which a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach was used to define suitable targets for change and the improvement of service outcomes in one integrated mental health residential rehabilitation service. The paper describes in detail the type of information which was elicited from a Solution-Focused questionnaire containing 'the miracle question' which was distributed to both service users and staff. In particular, the discussion focuses on the advantages of using the approach as a management tool for translating the experientially based responses of both service users and staff into measurable practical action.

Butterflies in possibility land: An example of the miracle question when counselling briefly

This report features the use of a solution-focused intervention (miracle question, see de Shazer, 1988), to try to define workable goals within, time limited, one to one therapy with a depressed single mother. The work was conducted as part of a multidisciplinary team approach to advise and manage the referral, which in this case had originally been for the woman’s eleven year-old daughter.