Solution-Focused Therapy Techniques - Scaling Questions Flashcards
What is a scaling question?
This question is often used to ask the client to rate themselves on a ten-point scale with ten being their preferred or ideal future; and zero being as low as it can go (or when they decided to seek help).
What functions do scaling questions sever?
- they can be used during goal setting
- they can be used concurrent with other techniques
- to identify movement away from, or towards, a goal
- to help clients see small steps in the bigger picture.
What are the three primary ways scaling questions are used?
- The progress scale
- The next step
- Willingness and confidence scale.
Describe the progress scale
This question is used to ascertain how the client currently sees things and to provide a baseline measure from which future progress can be made.
What is an example of a progress scale question?
On a scale of zero to ten where ten is your life the way you want it to be and zero are where things are as bad as they can possibly be, where are you right now?
How is the progress scale question used to measure progress?
The counsellor may ask this question in the next session to measure progress (“last week you said you were at three, where would you say you are this week, and why?”
If the client indicates they have moved up the scale, it leads to an opportunity for exploration of what they have done to be where they are. On the contrary, the counsellor may want to explore what happened that have kept the rating the same, or worse.
What is the purpose of the next step question?
This question helps the counsellor to identify a small degree of change that would be significant to the client This information can be used to help the client set small goals.
What is an example of a ‘next step’ question?
What would have to happen for you to notice a small improvement so that you could say things have moved up a little bit on the scale.
What is the purpose of the “willingness and confidence “ scale question?
These questions help the counsellor to get a sense of how confident and / or willing a client is to achieve a particular goal.
Can scaling questions be helpful if the client is resistant to change?
Yes. They can be used to:
- define small goals
- provide motivation
- potentially demonstrate that the client has already made some movement towards their goals.
What scaling question might a counsellor ask if they’ve noticed that the client appears to have withdrawn from participating in counselling, or if they are not making any progress between sessions?
On a scale of zero to ten how committed are you to achieving what you want?
What is an example is a willingness and confidence scaling question?
On a scale of zero to ten how confident are you that things are going to get better?
Is it important that the counsellor and client explore how the rating translates into action?
Yes. Asking the client how they reached the number they are currently at is important for helping the client to uncover their strengths and competencies.
Questions to ascertain how the rating translates into action.
- what is happening for you that makes it a two?
- if you are at two, what needs to happen / what could you do to become a three?
- what things would be different in your life for you to come in next week and be at a three?
Why is it important that the client recognise the link between the rating and action taken?
Because it helps the client to envision what a small change would look like and focus on developing small, concrete steps to move towards their preferred future.
SMALL STEPS CAN LEAD TO BIG CHANGES.
