Coping with the Problem:  Expected Outcomes

These questions are designed to help clients shift from focusing solely on their problems to recognizing their strengths, resilience, and capacity for change. By exploring how they have coped, when they’ve experienced relief, and how their progress affects those around them, clients gain greater self-awareness, confidence, and motivation to move forward.

---

 Expected Outcomes for Each Question

1. What would you like to experience instead of the problem?

• Definition: This question redirects attention from the problem itself to a positive, solution-oriented future.
•  Expected Outcome:
  • Helps the client clarify their hopes, goals, and aspirations.
  • Encourages a more constructive and empowering mindset.
  • Provides the counselor with a clear direction for guiding the session.

2. How have you dealt with the problem while it has been present?

• Definition: Encourages clients to acknowledge their own efforts and coping mechanisms, even if they feel inadequate.
•  Expected Outcome:
  • Reinforces that the client has already been taking action, building self-efficacy.
  • Helps identify adaptive vs. maladaptive coping strategies.
  • Encourages the client to appreciate their resilience rather than feeling powerless.

3. When has the problem diminished or become less intense?

• Definition: Guides the client to recognize moments of relief or success, however brief.
•  Expected Outcome:
  • Increases awareness of situations, thoughts, or behaviors that contribute to improvement.
  • Helps the client see that progress is already possible.
  • Creates an opportunity to build upon what is already working.

4. What role did you play in it diminishing or going away?

• Definition: Encourages the client to take ownership of their contributions to positive change.
•  Expected Outcome:
  • Helps shift their perspective from being a passive victim of circumstances to an active agent of change.
  • Strengthens self-empowerment and problem-solving skills.
  • Encourages the client to replicate effective actions in the future.

5. What was different about you while the problem was gone or less intense?

• Definition: Encourages clients to explore their state of mind, behaviors, or emotions when they were doing better.
•  Expected Outcome:
  • Highlights the internal and external factors that contribute to well-being.
  • Helps the client identify patterns they can intentionally recreate.
  • Reinforces the idea that they already have the capacity to feel better.

6. Who else noticed that the problem was going away or becoming less intense?

• Definition: Encourages clients to consider how others perceive their progress.
•  Expected Outcome:
  • Reinforces that change is visible and real.
  • Helps clients see that their struggles and progress affect their relationships.
  • Encourages clients to seek support and validation from others.

7. When did you first notice the problem was going away or diminishing?

• Definition: Helps clients pinpoint the earliest signs of improvement.
•  Expected Outcome:
  • Encourages greater self-awareness about what works.
  • Helps clients learn to recognize and appreciate small victories.
  • Reinforces that change does not have to be dramatic to be meaningful.

8. How did they notice the problem had gone away or become less intense?

• Definition: Encourages clients to explore external signs of their progress as observed by others.
•  Expected Outcome:
  • Reinforces positive behavior changes.
  • Helps clients feel acknowledged and validated by those around them.
  • Encourages deeper reflection on how their actions influence their environment.

9. What difference did the problem going away or becoming less intense make in that person’s life?

• Definition: Explores how the client’s struggles impact their loved ones and how positive change benefits them.
•  Expected Outcome:
  • Helps clients understand the relational impact of their progress.
  • Reinforces motivation by showing that personal growth improves relationships.
  • Encourages stronger emotional connections and support systems.

10. What difference did that person noticing the problem going away make for you?

• Definition: Encourages clients to reflect on how external validation affects their own motivation and self-perception.
•  Expected Outcome:
  • Helps clients recognize the importance of encouragement and recognition.
  • Reinforces the power of social support in maintaining progress.
  • Encourages open communication and deeper connections with others.

---

Key Takeaways

These questions help clients see beyond their struggles and recognize the small yet significant moments of progress in their lives. By shifting the focus to what has worked, what has improved, and how others perceive their growth, clients can develop a greater sense of control, motivation, and confidence in their ability to overcome difficulties.

---

Please note this blog is written in British English!

Please subscribe. Let’s support each other. I always follow back.

© Joseph R Mason – 2025. If you want to know why, see:

About me…

If you like what you read, treat me to a coffee:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/josephiu

Thank you.