Miracle Question

The Miracle Question is a signature technique of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) used to help clients envision a future where their problems no longer exist.

The Prompt

“Suppose a miracle happens tonight while you sleep, and the problem that brought you here is solved. Because you were asleep, you don’t know it happened. What is the first small sign you would notice tomorrow morning that tells you a miracle occurred?”

Key Objectives

• Shift Focus: Moves the client from “problem-talk” to “solution-talk.”
• Define Goals: Converts abstract desires (e.g., “I want to be happy”) into concrete behaviors (e.g., “I would get out of bed at 8:00 AM”).
• Increase Agency: Identifies small, actionable steps the client can take immediately to simulate the “miracle” state.