Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Scaling Questions

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)[1] is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes building solutions rather than dissecting problems. Among its various techniques, scaling questions stand out as a versatile and powerful tool. Scaling questions help clients assess their current situation, set goals, and measure progress in a clear, quantifiable way. This technique is pivotal in helping clients articulate their experiences, evaluate changes, and identify actionable steps toward their desired outcomes.

What Are Scaling Questions?
Definition and Purpose
Scaling questions[2] involve asking clients to rate their experiences, feelings, or behaviors on a numerical scale, typically from 0 to 10. Zero usually represents the worst possible scenario or total absence of a desired state, while ten represents the best possible scenario or the complete achievement of a goal. The purpose of scaling questions is to provide a simple, yet effective, method for clients to express and evaluate their perceptions and progress.[3]

Why Use Scaling Questions?

1. Clarifying Perceptions: Scaling questions help clients articulate their subjective experiences in a concrete and understandable manner. This clarity is crucial for both the client and the therapist in understanding the client’s current state and desired changes.[4]
2. Setting Goals: By identifying where they are on the scale and where they want to be, clients can set clear and realistic goals. Scaling questions help break down these goals into manageable steps, making the therapeutic process more structured and focused.
3. Measuring Progress: Scaling questions provide a straightforward way to measure progress over time. Clients can see how their ratings change from session to session, which can boost motivation and highlight improvements, no matter how small.
4. Identifying Resources and Strategies: Exploring what has contributed to a client’s rating can reveal useful resources and strategies that have already been effective. This can help in formulating practical steps to improve their situation further.

Implementing Scaling Questions in Therapy
The Process of Using Scaling Questions

1. Introducing the Concept: The therapist explains the purpose and process of scaling questions to the client, ensuring they understand how to use the scale and what it represents.
2. Asking the Scaling Question: The therapist poses a scaling question related to the client’s specific issue or goal.[5]

Example Question: “On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means you feel completely overwhelmed by anxiety and 10 means you feel no anxiety at all, where would you place yourself right now?”

3. Exploring the Rating: Once the client provides a rating, the therapist explores what that number means to them. This involves understanding why the client chose that specific number and what factors influenced their decision.

Follow-Up Questions:
“Why did you choose that number and not a lower one?”
“What are you doing that helps you stay at that number and not lower?”
“What would it take to move up one point on the scale?”

4. Identifying Steps for Improvement: The therapist and client collaborate to identify small, achievable steps that could help the client move up the scale. These steps should be specific and actionable, making it clear what the client can do to make progress.

Example: “You mentioned that spending time with friends helps reduce your anxiety. What is one thing you can do this week to spend more time with friends?”

5. Revisiting the Scale: In subsequent sessions, the therapist asks the client to rate themselves again on the same scale. This helps track progress, reinforces positive changes, and allows for adjustments in the therapeutic approach as needed.

Benefits of Scaling Questions

1. Simplicity and Clarity: Scaling questions simplify complex feelings and experiences, making them easier to discuss and understand. This clarity is beneficial for both the client and therapist in setting and achieving therapeutic goals.
2. Empowerment and Motivation: Clients often feel empowered when they see tangible evidence of their progress. Even small improvements on the scale can boost motivation and encourage continued effort towards their goals.
3. Focus on Solutions: Scaling questions naturally steer the conversation towards what is working and what can be improved. This solution-focused approach aligns with the core principles of SFBT, emphasizing strengths and possibilities rather than problems.[6]
4. Flexibility and Adaptability: Scaling questions can be adapted to a wide range of issues and contexts, making them a versatile tool in therapy. They can be used to assess emotions, behaviors, skills, confidence levels, and more.

Examples of Scaling Questions in Practice
Case Example: Depression Management:  A client dealing with depression might be asked, “On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means you feel completely hopeless and 10 means you feel full of hope and energy, where are you today?” The client might rate themselves a 3. The therapist explores why the client chose 3 and not a lower number, identifying small positive factors in their life. They then discuss steps to move to a 4, such as engaging in a pleasurable activity or connecting with a supportive friend.

Case Example: Relationship Improvement: A couple seeking to improve their relationship might be asked, “On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means your communication is completely ineffective and 10 means it is perfect, where do you place your communication currently?” Both partners might rate their communication as a 5. The therapist explores what contributes to this rating and what small changes could help improve it, such as setting aside time for weekly check-ins or practicing active listening skills.

In conclusion, scaling questions are a fundamental and effective tool in  Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. They provide a clear and structured way for clients to assess their current situation, set goals, and measure progress. By focusing on solutions, highlighting strengths, and encouraging practical steps for improvement, scaling questions empower clients to create positive and lasting changes in their lives.  Join us on September 20, 2024, for our next Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Virtual Conference. Register today and embark on a journey of professional growth and community building!

[1] Duncan, Barry L., Mark A. Hubble, and Scott D. Miller. Handbook of solution-focused brief therapy. Jossey-Bass, 1996.

[2] King, Pamela. “Solution-focused brief therapy and play scaling.” Journal of Family Psychotherapy 24.4 (2013): 312-316.

[3] Neipp, Marie‐Carmen, et al. “Solution‐focused versus problem‐focused questions: Differential effects of miracles, exceptions and scales.” Journal of Family Therapy 43.4 (2021): 728-747.

[4] Abdulla, Adam. “Solution-focused scaling questions: time taken, words written, expectancy and commitment.” International journal of coaching psychology 5 (2024).

[5] Bannink, Fredrike. 101 Solution-focused Questions for Help with Anxiety. WW Norton & Company, 2015.

[6] Jordan, Sara Smock. “Scaling Questions With Couples.” Techniques for the Couple Therapist. Routledge, 2016. 169-172.