The Miracle Question: A Powerful Tool for Coaches in Solution-Focused Practice

What Is the Miracle Question?

The Miracle Question was developed by Steve de Shazer in the 1980s while he and Insoo Kim Berg were developing the solution-focused approach at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee. This method focuses on shifting clients from problem-oriented conversations to solution-focused perspectives.

The Miracle Question is a specific technique within this approach. It invites your clients to imagine a future in which their problem has disappeared as if by a miracle. The following aspects are brought into focus:

• Clarity about goals and desires: Clients often formulate their wishes more clearly than ever before.
• Activation of resources: Clients realize which resources they already have to help them achieve their vision.
• Emotional relief: The question often reduces stress by opening up space for positive thoughts.

The Technique in Detail

The Miracle Question is often phrased as follows:

“Imagine that overnight, a miracle happens and the problem that’s been troubling you is completely resolved. Since you were asleep, you don’t initially know that this miracle has occurred. What would you notice in the morning that tells you the problem is gone? How would your life feel different? What would you do differently?”

Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer

Founders of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

This question may seem simple at first glance, but it challenges your clients to dive deep into their imagination and clarify their desires. The idea is not to explore the “how” of the solution, but rather the “what” and “how does it feel.”

Why does the Miracle Question work so well?

1. Encourages a Shift in Perspective

Many of your clients are trapped in their problems and can’t see a way out. The Miracle Question shifts focus away from problem fixation and toward a positive, attainable future. This change in perspective alone can be liberating.

2. Activates Resources

By describing their desired future, clients often uncover strengths, skills, and networks they hadn’t noticed before. You can then leverage these resources in your continued coaching work.

3. Motivation and Action Orientation

The question creates a clear connection between imagining a better future and the steps needed to get there. It motivates clients to take action.

Application in Practice

Ideal Timing for the Miracle Question

The Miracle Question is especially useful:

• At the beginning of a coaching process to clarify goals.
• In stuck situations to open new perspectives.
• After in-depth problem analysis to shift focus toward solutions.

Preparing the Client

Some clients may initially be surprised or overwhelmed by the question. As a coach, it’s important to gently guide them into the process. Explain the purpose of the question and allow time for reflection.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create Context

   Start with a short explanation of why you’re asking the question:

   “I’d like to do an exercise with you that helps clarify your wishes and goals. It may sound a bit unusual, but it can be very powerful.”

2. Ask the Question:

   Phrase the question calmly and slowly so the client can let it sink in:

   “Imagine that overnight a miracle occurs, and the problem you’ve been facing is completely resolved. How would you feel, and what would be different in your life?”

3. Explore the Answer:

   Give the client time to respond. Ask targeted follow-up questions to develop the details:

   • “What would you notice first?”
   • “How would other people respond?”
   • “What changes would you notice in yourself?”
4. Deepen: Create Concrete Scenarios

   Encourage the client to give vivid descriptions:

   “When your partner sees you, what would they notice? How would your interaction change?”

5. Transition to Next Steps:

   Once the vision is clear, guide the session toward action:

   “What from what you’ve described could we address next? What small step could bring you closer to that state?”

Examples from Practice

Example 1: Stress Management for a Manager

A manager comes to coaching because he constantly feels stressed and exhausted. After the Miracle Question, he describes:

“I’d wake up and feel calm. I’d feel in control of my day. My team would notice I’m more patient, and I’d have time to have breakfast with my family.”

As a coach, you might follow up with questions like:

• “What gives you that sense of control?”
• “What could you change to spend more time with your family tomorrow?”

Example 2: Relationship Issues

A client complains about constant arguments with her partner. In response to the Miracle Question, she says:

“He would greet me with a smile in the morning. We’d treat each other respectfully, and I’d feel like we’re working as a team.”

Follow-up questions could include:

• “What would you do to encourage that teamwork?”
• “How could you show him that the relationship is important to you?”

Tips and Common Challenges

1. Client stays vague

Some clients respond with generalities (“I’d be happy”). Help them be more specific:

“What would that happiness look like? What would you do differently?”

2. Client feels blocked

Some clients struggle to imagine a better future. In this case, rephrase the question:

“If the problem were 10% less of a burden, what would you notice?”

3. Bridging to Reality

Sometimes the Miracle Question may seem unrealistic to clients. Work on translating their answers into manageable steps:

“What could be a small first step that moves you in that direction?”

Conclusion: The Miracle Question as a Transformative Technique

The Miracle Question is a simple yet profound coaching tool that helps your clients break free from problem fixation and develop a clear vision of their desired future. It activates resources, promotes action orientation, and opens new perspectives.

You can apply this technique in various contexts—whether it’s career decisions, relationship issues, or personal development. By encouraging clients to think in detail about their ideal future, you open doors to new possibilities and lasting change.

Try the Miracle Question and let yourself be surprised by its power—because sometimes, change begins with a single, powerful question.