As mental health professionals, one of the most rewarding yet challenging parts of our work is helping clients set and achieve meaningful goals. Whether it’s overcoming a longstanding issue, improving emotional regulation, or simply navigating the ups and downs of everyday life, goal-setting is a key element of the therapeutic process.
But we know it’s not always easy. Some clients may be unsure about their goals, others might be resistant or overwhelmed by the idea of making lasting change, and many struggle with finding the motivation to take the necessary steps forward. So, how do we move past these challenges and help our clients not only set goals but actually reach them?
That’s where Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) can make all the difference. As a strengths-based, future-focused approach, SFBT offers therapists practical and effective tools for guiding clients in goal-setting and problem-solving, helping them tap into their own resources and capabilities.
In this blog, we’re diving into several of the most powerful SFBT techniques you can use to help your clients set achievable goals. Whether you work with kids, teens, or adults, these techniques can be adapted to suit any client and any setting. We’ll also explore how the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Workbooks for Kids and Adults can support you in your work, offering structure and time-saving solutions for your sessions.
1. The Miracle Question: Spark Goal-Setting with Clients
The Miracle Question is one of the most powerful tools in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. It’s designed to help clients break free from their current problem-focused mindset and shift toward a future-oriented perspective. By asking clients to imagine a world where their problem no longer exists, you open up a space for them to envision positive change and start thinking about the steps they can take to make it happen.
Step-by-Step Guide for Using the Miracle Question:
How to Ask the Miracle Question: Start by introducing the idea of a miracle. You might say, “Imagine that tonight, while you’re asleep, a miracle happens and your problem is solved. When you wake up tomorrow, what will be different? What will you notice in your life, your relationships, or how you feel?”The key here is to help the client focus on the possibility of change, rather than the problem itself. Keep the tone hopeful and exploratory.
How to Follow Up: Once the client has answered, you can follow up with questions that dig deeper into their vision of change:
“What will you be doing differently in your life?”
“How will you feel when you wake up and everything has changed?”
“What will your day look like, and what’s the first thing you’ll do?”This allows the client to become more specific about their goals and to identify concrete actions they can take, making the change feel more attainable.
Adapting for Different Client Responses: Some clients may struggle to imagine a positive future or may resist the idea of goal-setting. For these clients, the Miracle Question can still be a powerful tool. For instance, if a client feels overwhelmed by the idea of change, you could ask:
“What would be the first small step you could take that would show you that the miracle is starting to happen?”This can help clients who are unsure where to begin or who feel stuck, making the concept of change feel more manageable.
Real-Life Examples:
For a Teen: Imagine a teenager who feels like they’re constantly fighting with their parents and struggling in school. By asking the Miracle Question, you invite them to think about a future where they are able to communicate more effectively and excel academically. You might ask, “If a miracle happened tonight and you woke up tomorrow with a better relationship with your parents and improved grades, what would you notice? What would your day look like?” This sparks curiosity about the positive changes they can make in their day-to-day life, helping them set a clear path forward.
For an Adult: An adult client feeling overwhelmed by their job and personal responsibilities might also benefit from the Miracle Question. For example, you could ask, “If a miracle happened tonight and your work-life balance improved, what would you notice? How would you be feeling when you wake up tomorrow?” This allows them to focus on the potential for change and start envisioning a life where they feel more in control and less stressed.
2. Exception Questions: Identify and Leverage Exceptions to the Problem
In Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, we don’t just focus on the problem — we also explore the times when the problem isn’t as intense or doesn't show up at all. Exception Questions help clients recognize when things are better, even if it’s just for a short period of time. By identifying these moments, clients can uncover strengths and resources that they can use to improve their situation.
Step-by-Step Guide for Using Exception Questions:
How to Ask Exception Questions: Begin by asking your client about times when the problem isn’t as overwhelming. Some example questions include:
“Can you think of a time when the problem was not as bad as it is now?”
“What was different during those times?”
“When did you manage to cope better than you expected?”The goal here is to help the client identify the exceptions — the moments when the problem wasn’t present, or when they were able to handle it more effectively than usual.
How to Build on Exceptions: Once clients have identified exceptions, encourage them to think about what made those moments possible. You might ask:
“What did you do differently during that time?”
“Who helped you, or what support did you have?”
“What can we do to make those exceptions happen more often?”This allows the client to see that they have the tools and resources to handle their challenges and reinforces the idea that they can make progress toward their goals.
Adapting for Different Client Needs: Exception Questions work well for clients who may feel stuck or overwhelmed by their problems. For example, if a client is experiencing depression and feels like they can’t do anything right, ask them about times when they felt even a small sense of achievement or when they had a moment of joy.
“Think about a day recently when you felt a bit better than usual. What was different about that day?”
“When was a time you felt proud of something you did, even if it was just small?”These questions help the client focus on their ability to have control and take action, even in difficult circumstances.
Real-Life Examples:
For a Child: Imagine working with a 12-year-old who struggles with anxiety. By asking, “Can you remember a time when you felt calm, even for a little while, in a situation that usually makes you nervous?” you help them identify moments of success. Perhaps they were able to speak up in class or participate in a family gathering without feeling overwhelmed. These small exceptions can provide a foundation for building further coping strategies.
For an Adult: Consider an adult client dealing with work-related stress. An exception might be a day when they managed to stay on top of their tasks despite feeling under pressure. By asking, “When have you managed to complete a task, even when things felt chaotic?”, you highlight their ability to stay focused and productive, helping them see that they can replicate this success in the future.
3. SMART Goals: Break Down Goals into Achievable Steps
When clients feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of their challenges, breaking goals into smaller, actionable steps can make all the difference. SMART Goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — offer a structured way to create goals that are clear, attainable, and motivating. This technique helps clients stay focused and track their progress.
Step-by-Step Guide for Creating SMART Goals:
Specific: Help the client define their goal with as much clarity as possible. Avoid vague objectives like “I want to feel better” and encourage them to identify exactly what they want to achieve.
For example:
“I want to complete one homework assignment on time this week.”
“I want to have one stress-free evening with my family.”
Measurable: Ensure the goal has a measurable outcome so that progress can be tracked. Ask questions like:
“How will you know you’ve achieved this goal?”
“What will success look or feel like to you?”For instance, completing a full assignment or spending two hours with family without checking work emails are measurable outcomes.
Achievable: Goals should be challenging but realistic. Work with the client to assess whether their goal is something they can reasonably accomplish.
For example:
“Do you have the time and resources to achieve this?”
“What obstacles might come up, and how will you overcome them?”
Relevant: The goal should matter to the client and align with their broader priorities or values. Ask:
“Why is this goal important to you?”
“How will achieving this goal improve your life or well-being?”
Time-bound: Set a clear deadline to create a sense of urgency and motivation.
For example:
“When would you like to achieve this by?”
“What’s the first step you can take today?”
Adapting for Different Client Challenges:
For clients who feel overwhelmed, help them create micro-goals that fit within the SMART framework. For instance, instead of aiming to “lose 20 pounds in three months”, focus on “preparing one healthy meal this week.”
Real-Life Examples:
For a Teen: A teenager struggling academically might set a goal like: Specific: Finish one math assignment this week. Measurable: Submit the assignment on time. Achievable: Work on the assignment for 30 minutes a day. Relevant: Passing math class is important to achieving their long-term goal of graduation. Time-bound: Complete and submit it by Friday.
For an Adult: An adult client who feels overwhelmed by work might set a goal like: Specific: Take a 10-minute break during each workday. Measurable: Track the breaks on a calendar. Achievable: Start with one break per day and gradually increase. Relevant: Reducing stress will help improve focus and productivity. Time-bound: Begin this practice today and review progress after one week.
4. Mind Mapping: Visualize the Path to Goal Achievement
Mind Mapping is an excellent tool for clients who need to see their goals and the steps to achieve them in a clear, visual format. This technique helps clients break down their objectives into smaller, actionable steps while also identifying potential obstacles and solutions. For clients who struggle to articulate their goals or feel overwhelmed, Mind Mapping can simplify the process and make their path forward more concrete.
Step-by-Step Guide for Using Mind Mapping in Therapy:
Introduce the Concept: Explain to the client that Mind Mapping is like creating a visual roadmap for achieving their goals. Let them know it’s okay if their ideas aren’t perfectly organized—it’s about exploring possibilities. You might say, “Think of this as brainstorming on paper. We’ll start with your main goal in the center and work outward to figure out how to achieve it.”
Create the Centerpiece: Have the client write their main goal in the center of the page or use a pre-drawn template. For example:
“I want to improve my relationship with my family.”
“I want to feel more confident at school.”
Add Branches for Steps and Actions: Help the client draw branches outward from the central goal, with each branch representing a step or action they can take. Ask questions to guide them:
“What’s the first thing you could do to move toward this goal?”
“What small changes could you make today or this week?”
Example branches for a family-focused goal:
Spend 10 minutes talking with each family member daily.
Plan a family dinner once a week.
Practice active listening during conversations.
Identify Obstacles and Solutions: Draw additional branches for potential challenges and ways to overcome them. Use prompts like:
“What might get in the way of achieving this goal?”
“What can you do if that happens?”
Example: If the obstacle is lack of time, a solution might be scheduling specific times for family activities.
Track Progress and Celebrate Wins: Encourage the client to revisit their Mind Map regularly to track what they’ve accomplished and adjust their plan as needed. Acknowledge even small wins to keep motivation high.
Adapting for Different Clients:
Kids: Use colorful markers or stickers to make the activity engaging. Allow them to draw their steps instead of writing if they prefer.
Teens: Tie the map to something meaningful, like academic or social goals, to maintain their interest.
Adults: Highlight how Mind Mapping can clarify priorities and reduce feelings of overwhelm, especially for multi-step goals.
Real-Life Examples:
For a Child: A 10-year-old who wants to make more friends might start with the goal: “Be more confident at school.” Their map could include actions like:
Say hi to one classmate every day.
Join an after-school club.
Ask a friend over for a playdate. Obstacles might include shyness, with solutions like practicing introductions with a parent or teacher.
For an Adult: An adult who wants to reduce work stress might map out the goal: “Feel calmer at work.” Their steps could include:
Take a 5-minute mindfulness break each morning.
Delegate one task per week to a colleague.
End work on time three days a week. Obstacles could include workload pressure, with solutions like prioritizing tasks or communicating with their manager.
5. Tracking Progress: Using SFBT Techniques to Measure Success
Helping clients set goals is only the first step—tracking their progress ensures that goals remain relevant, attainable, and motivating. By regularly revisiting the goals set in therapy, clients can celebrate successes, identify areas that need adjustment, and stay engaged in the process. Tracking progress is especially effective when paired with Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) techniques like scaling questions and exceptions.
Why Tracking Progress Matters
Keeps clients motivated: Seeing even small improvements can reinforce a client’s belief in their ability to achieve their goals.
Highlights strengths: Tracking progress allows clients to recognize their skills, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.
Encourages reflection: Clients can evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and how to move forward.
How to Track Progress with SFBT Techniques
Scaling Questions: Scaling is a simple yet effective way to measure incremental progress. Ask your client to rate their progress on a scale of 1 to 10:
“On a scale of 1 to 10, where are you today in relation to your goal?”
“What would it take to move from a 5 to a 6?”
Use scaling questions regularly to gauge shifts in perspective or behavior. Even a small improvement, like moving from a 4 to a 5, can provide valuable insight into what’s working.
Reviewing Exceptions: Revisit moments when clients successfully managed their challenges. Ask:
“Since our last session, when did things go a little better for you?”
“What did you do to make that happen?”
By focusing on these exceptions, clients can replicate successful strategies and build confidence.
SMART Goal Check-ins: For clients using SMART Goals, review each aspect of their goal:
“Is this goal still relevant to you?”
“What progress have you made on the measurable steps?”
“Are there any obstacles that we need to adjust for?”
Mind Map Updates: If your client created a Mind Map, revisit it periodically. Ask:
“Which steps have you completed?”
“What new steps or adjustments can we add to the map?”This visual tool can be a dynamic record of their journey.
How the Workbooks Can Help
The Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Workbooks for Kids and Adults are perfect for tracking progress. They include practical worksheets designed to revisit goals, record exceptions, and update scaling.
For example:
Scaling Worksheets: Allow clients to visually track their improvement over time.
SMART Goal Templates: Provide a structured way to document and review goals in each session.
Session Summaries: Encourage clients to reflect on what’s working and plan for the week ahead.
Real-Life Example:
For a Child: A school counselor might use scaling to track a child’s comfort level in social situations. At each session, the child colors a star on a scaling chart, making progress visible and fun.
For an Adult: A therapist working with an adult on stress reduction might use the workbook’s SMART Goal template to document weekly progress. By the third session, the client sees they’ve gone from delegating one task a week to two, reinforcing their ability to manage workload stress.
The Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Workbooks for Kids and Adults (Free PDF Download)
As therapists, finding tools that complement your approach while saving time can be a game-changer. That’s where the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Workbooks for Kids and Adults come in. These resources are available as a FREE PDF download, designed to align seamlessly with the techniques we’ve discussed, providing structure and guidance to help your clients set goals, track progress, and achieve meaningful change.
Why These Workbooks Are Valuable for Therapists
Time-Saving Structure: These workbooks include pre-designed templates for popular SFBT techniques like the Miracle Question, Exception Questions, SMART Goals, and Mind Mapping. Instead of creating materials from scratch, you’ll have ready-to-use tools at your fingertips—all in a convenient free PDF format!
Supports Multiple Settings: Whether you’re working in a school, private practice, or group therapy environment, the workbooks are versatile enough to meet your needs. They’re equally effective with children, teens, and adults.
Guides Clients Through the Process: The workbooks aren’t just for sessions—they also encourage clients to engage with their goals between appointments. By completing exercises like tracking progress or revisiting their SMART Goals at home, clients stay active in their therapeutic journey.
What’s Inside Each Workbook (Free PDF)
For Kids (Ages 10–15): The workbook for kids introduces SFBT concepts in a child-friendly, engaging way. It’s perfect for school counselors, social workers, and psychologists to help younger clients develop coping skills, set goals, and foster a growth mindset. Key exercises include:
The Magic Wand Question: Encourages imaginative thinking to identify goals.
Time Machine Exercise: Helps kids envision a positive future and plan steps toward it.
Change Plan Worksheet: Guides kids in identifying changes they want to make and the steps to achieve them.
For Adults: The adult workbook takes a more in-depth approach, ideal for private practice or individual use. It focuses on future-oriented, goal-directed strategies and includes exercises like:
Miracle Questions: To define goals and imagine life without current challenges.
SMART Goal Templates: To break goals into actionable, measurable steps.
Spiral Staircase Visualization: A creative exercise to explore long-term aspirations.
How These Workbooks Align with SFBT Techniques
Each workbook is carefully crafted to support the techniques you already use in therapy:
Use the Scaling Worksheets to help clients visualize progress.
Encourage reflection with exercises like A Day That Went Well for adults or When Did Things Work Well? for kids.
Save session time by using the Mind Mapping Templates for collaborative goal-setting.
Real-Life Benefits for Therapists
Efficiency: Instead of spending time explaining concepts or creating new tools, you can rely on the workbooks to guide your sessions.
Consistency: The workbooks provide a structured framework, ensuring a cohesive approach to goal-setting and progress tracking.
Engagement: Clients love the interactive, hands-on activities, making therapy feel more empowering and less abstract.
And the best part? These workbooks are completely FREE!
Download the FREE Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Workbooks for Kids and Adults and see how these resources can save you time while making your sessions more impactful.
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Goal-setting can be one of the most transformative aspects of therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy techniques provide a clear, empowering path for clients to envision and achieve meaningful change. By using tools like the Miracle Question, Exception Questions, SMART Goals, and Mind Mapping, you can guide your clients toward progress in a way that feels accessible and motivating.
The Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Workbooks for Kids and Adults are here to make your job easier—and the best part? They’re available as a FREE PDF download! With structured exercises, creative prompts, and practical templates, these workbooks offer the perfect complement to your therapeutic approach. They save you time, keep sessions focused, and provide your clients with tools they can use to stay engaged outside of therapy.
Take the next step in streamlining your sessions and supporting your clients’ progress. Download the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Workbooks for free today—they’re designed with you in mind to enhance your practice and help your clients succeed.
Gentle Observation: As a therapist, you already know the power of guiding clients toward their goals. With the right tools, this process becomes not only easier but also more rewarding—for both you and your clients. These workbooks are here to support you in that journey, giving you the structure and resources to make every session count.
Jemma (Gentle Observations Team)
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