National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

Which method is utilized to help clients recognize their own resiliency in Solution Focused Brief Therapy?

1. Assessing past trauma

2. Scaling questions

3. Identifying past failures

4. Encouraging dependency on the therapist

The correct answer is: Scaling questions

In Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), scaling questions are a key technique used to help clients recognize their own resiliency. This method involves asking clients to rate their feelings, experiences, or progress on a scale, typically from 1 to 10. By using scaling questions, clients can better visualize their current situation, feelings of hope, or the effectiveness of their coping strategies. This approach empowers clients to observe changes over time and build a sense of accomplishment and resilience by focusing on their strengths and successes, rather than just their problems. Scaling questions allow clients to articulate where they stand in their journey toward their goals. It provides them with a structured way to assess their progress and recognize the skills and resources they possess to tackle challenges. This emphasis on client strengths is fundamental to the principles of SFBT, which is solution-oriented and forward-focused. Other methods, such as assessing past trauma, identifying past failures, or encouraging dependency on the therapist, do not align with the SFBT's core focus on empowering clients and fostering their sense of agency and resilience. Instead of delving into past difficulties, SFBT emphasizes building on what is working for the client and envisioning future successes, which is effectively facilitated through scaling questions.