Insoo Kim Berg: The miracle question

Summary

The transcript discusses the 'miracle question' technique used in therapy, emphasizing its importance and complexity. It consists of two parts: asking the client to envision a life without their problem and knowing the right moment to pose this question, which is crucial and depends on the client's readiness. The technique aims to evoke the client's imagination about potential solutions, starting with small, incremental changes that can lead to significant progress.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The 'miracle question' is a two-part tool used in therapeutic conversations to help clients envision a problem-free life.
• 🎨 The art of using the 'miracle question' involves knowing the right timing, which is crucial for its effectiveness.
• 🕒 The right time to ask the 'miracle question' is when clients begin to imagine the possibility of solutions.
• 🧐 The first part of the 'miracle question' requires clients to use their imagination to picture life without their current problem.
• 🗣️ The question is introduced as 'strange' to engage the client and prepare them for imaginative thinking.
• ⏸️ Pauses are important during the questioning process, allowing clients time to reflect and imagine.
• 🌙 The 'miracle question' scenario is set at night, suggesting that the problem is solved while the client is asleep.
• 🚫 It's common for clients to initially respond with 'I don't know', which should be seen as an opportunity for deeper reflection rather than a lack of understanding.
• 🔍 Follow-up questions are essential to explore the small signs and changes that would indicate a miracle has occurred.
• 🌱 Small, incremental solutions are encouraged, focusing on the first small actions a client might take after experiencing a miraculous change.
• 🔄 The process helps clients to become more animated, energetic, and hopeful as they build a detailed picture of a solution.

Q & A

What is the 'miracle question' in the context of the script?

The 'miracle question' is a therapeutic tool used to help clients imagine a future without their current problem, aiming to elicit their vision of a positive outcome and激发他们解决问题的想象力.

Why is timing important when asking the 'miracle question'?

Timing is crucial because the question should be asked when the client has started to imagine the possibility of solutions, indicating they are open to considering a future without their problem.

How does the script suggest engaging a client who may not think they have a good imagination?

The script suggests engaging such clients by asking if they are willing to try to imagine, which often leads them to agree and participate in the exercise.

What is the significance of the word 'suppose' in the 'miracle question'?

The word 'suppose' is significant as it helps clients move into a space of imagination, allowing them to consider hypothetical scenarios that could lead to solutions.

How does the script describe the client's initial reaction to the 'miracle question'?

The script describes the client's initial reaction as often being 'I don't know,' which is interpreted not as a lack of intelligence, but as an indication that they have never considered the possibility before.

What role do pauses play when asking the 'miracle question'?

Pauses are essential as they give clients time to process the question and start imagining the scenario presented by the 'miracle question'.

Why is it important to follow up the 'miracle question' with additional questions?

Follow-up questions help to build upon the client's initial response, guiding them towards identifying small, achievable steps towards their envisioned solution.

What does the script suggest asking after the client has imagined the 'miracle'?

The script suggests asking about the first small signs that would indicate to the client that the miracle has occurred, to help them articulate their vision of a problem-free life.

How does the script recommend handling a client's response of wanting a large miracle, such as having a large debt disappear?

The script recommends translating the large miracle into smaller, more achievable miracles, such as feeling motivated to get up and face the day, which can lead to incremental progress.

What is the purpose of asking about the last time the client felt a certain way, as mentioned in the script?

Asking about the last time the client felt a certain way helps to identify past experiences that can serve as a foundation for building a solution-focused approach to their current problem.

How does the script emphasize the importance of small solutions in the context of the 'miracle question'?

The script emphasizes small solutions by encouraging clients to identify tiny, achievable actions that can lead to a larger change, thus building momentum towards their envisioned miracle.