Why Solution-Focused?

School counselors and deans often have limited time with students. Solution-Focused Brief Counseling (SFBC) focuses on:

• Solutions rather than problems
• Strengths rather than deficits
• The future rather than the past
• Small steps rather than complete transformation

Key Techniques

The Miracle Question

"Suppose tonight while you're sleeping, a miracle happens and this problem is solved. When you wake up tomorrow, what would be different? How would you know?"

This helps students envision a positive future and identify concrete changes they want to make.

Scaling Questions

"On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the worst things have ever been and 10 is the miracle, where are you right now?"

Follow-up: "What would it take to move from a 4 to a 5?"

Exception Questions

"Tell me about a time when this problem wasn't happening. What was different?"

This helps students identify strategies that have already worked for them.

Coping Questions

"Given everything you've been dealing with, how have you managed to keep going?"

This highlights resilience and existing strengths.

Session Structure (15–20 minutes)

1. Problem-free talk (2 min) — Build rapport, find out something positive
2. Best hopes (3 min) — "What are you hoping to get out of our conversation today?"
3. Explore the preferred future (5 min) — Miracle question or best hopes
4. Find exceptions and strengths (5 min) — When is the problem not happening?
5. Scale and set a small goal (3 min) — What's one small step?
6. Compliment and close (2 min) — Affirm something specific, schedule follow-up