Relationships
Defining a Solution: A Behavioral Outline
Defining a Solution: A Behavioral Outline
When a client is overwhelmed by a problem or defines goals in vague, abstract terms, progress can stall. This directive is designed for situations where individuals struggle to describe what they want, focusing instead on what they wish to eliminate. It helps shift a client’s perspective from problem-saturation toward a concrete, forward-looking orientation.
This instrument guides the client to define their solution in specific, behavioral terms. Rather than analyzing the problem, the client constructs a detailed, observable picture of a future where the issue is resolved. By externalizing the evidence of change, this process establishes a clear endpoint and identifies the smallest viable steps to begin moving forward, making the desired outcome feel more accessible.
Defining a Solution: A Behavioral Outline
| PROMPT | YOUR RESPONSE |
|---|---|
| Signs of Improvement Suppose the problem that brought you here was solved. What would be the first concrete, observable signs that would tell you things had improved? | |
| First Small Step Of the signs you listed above, what is the smallest one that could happen first? Describe this small, initial indication of a change. | |
| External Observer: Notice Who would be the first person to notice this improvement? What specific things would they see or hear that would let them know something was different? | |
| External Observer: Report If that person were asked to describe the change in you, what specific words would they use? What would they say is different about your actions or conduct? | |
| A Day Without the Problem Describe a typical day, from waking up to going to sleep, after the problem is solved. Detail what is different in your routine and your interactions with others. | |
| The Defining Scene Describe a single, specific scene that would prove the problem is solved. What is happening, who is there, and what are you doing? | |
| Consequences of the Solution With this problem solved, what new activities or goals would you have the time and energy to pursue? What would you be free to do that you are not doing now? |
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