National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

Which therapy technique utilizes the miracle question?

1. Psychodynamic therapy

2. Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

4. Gestalt therapy

The correct answer is: Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is the therapy technique that employs the miracle question as a core component. This technique is designed to help clients envision a future where their problems are resolved. By asking clients to imagine what their life would look like if a miracle occurred overnight and their issues were solved, therapists aim to facilitate a discussion about goals, values, and the steps necessary to achieve that ideal future. The miracle question helps clients to shift focus from problems to solutions, fostering a mindset that emphasizes possibilities and strengths rather than limitations. This approach encourages individuals to become more solution-oriented, which is a hallmark of SFBT. The technique assists clients in clarifying their desires and identifying concrete actions that can lead them toward their desired outcome. Other therapeutic modalities, such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and Gestalt therapy, do not utilize the miracle question as a standard practice, instead focusing on different mechanisms for change and understanding.