Preferred Future Description: Central to SFBT, focusing on how the client envisions their future without the current problems.
The Miracle Question
Traditional Version: "Suppose you went to sleep one night and a miracle happened that solved all of your problems. When you woke up the following day, what would you notice?"
Often misunderstood as merely a goal-setting tool.
Evolved Understanding
Two-Part Approach:
Best Hopes Question: Initial session inquiry to understand the client's desired outcome from therapy.
Example: "What do you best hope for our therapy?"
Seeks a present-focused response (e.g., "I want to be happy").
Refined Miracle Question: Utilizes the language from the best hopes question.
Example: "Suppose you went to sleep one night, and a miracle happened, and the happiness you're seeking is present. What's the first thing you would notice?"
Focuses on the present and detailed aspects of the client's preferred future.
Purpose and Application
Purpose of the Miracle Question:
Not Just Goal Setting: It's integral to the therapy process.
Detailed Exploration: Helps clients articulate a comprehensive vision of their preferred future.
Guides the session through detailed inquiries:
"What's the first thing you would notice?"
"What would your family notice?"
"What would you notice in daily activities?"
Common Misunderstandings
Confusion with Best Hopes Question: Some believe that the best hopes question replaces the miracle question, which is incorrect.
Best Hopes Question: Provides language for the client's desired outcome.
Miracle Question: Uses this language for detailing the preferred future.
Conclusion
Educational Clarification: The video aims to clarify misunderstandings about the miracle question's role and importance in SFBT.
Engagement: Encourages sharing to spread understanding of these concepts.