Scaling questions are a tool used in coaching and therapy to help individuals express their subjective experiences, progress, and future possibilities on a numerical scale, typically from 0 to 10. These questions invite clients to translate complex and intuitive observations about their situation into a more concrete and measurable format.
Use in a Coaching or Therapeutic Relationship:
In both coaching and therapeutic settings, scaling questions can be used in various ways, particularly within approaches like Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Here are some key applications:
- Assessing the Present Situation: Therapists or coaches might ask, “On a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 represents how your life will be when your best hopes are met, and 0 represents the opposite, where would you say you are right now?”. This helps both the client and the professional gain a clearer understanding of the client’s current perception of their situation.
- Defining Goals and the Preferred Future: Scaling questions can help clients articulate their goals in more specific terms. For instance, “Where on that scale would you like to be?”. The number chosen becomes a tangible point of reference for the desired outcome. Further questioning then explores what will be different at that point.
- Tracking Progress: Scaling questions are invaluable for monitoring progress over time. In follow-up sessions, a therapist might ask, “Where are you on the scale today compared to when we last met?”. This allows both parties to identify even small steps forward.
- Identifying Strengths and Resources: When a client provides a rating higher than 0, the therapist can ask, “How have you managed to be at that point? What have you done to prevent it from being lower?”. This helps to highlight the client’s existing coping mechanisms, strengths, and resources.
- Exploring Small Signs of Progress: To encourage further movement, a coach or therapist might ask, “What would one point higher on the scale look like? What small things would you or others notice that would indicate you’ve moved up just one point?”. This breaks down seemingly large goals into manageable smaller steps.
- Assessing Confidence and Motivation: Scaling questions can also gauge a client’s confidence in achieving their goals and their motivation to make changes. For example, “On a scale of 0 to 10, how confident are you that you can take that next step?”.
- Determining When Therapy or Coaching Can Conclude: Scaling questions can even be used to discuss the endpoint of the professional relationship: “At what point on the scale do you think you would feel that you no longer need to come here?”.
By using scaling questions, therapists and coaches can help clients to think differently, notice positive differences, and facilitate desired changes. The focus is often positive, highlighting movement towards a preferred future.
Using Scaling Questions for Self-Improvement:
Individuals can adapt the principles of scaling questions for their own personal growth and to improve their quality of life. Here’s how:
- Identify Areas for Improvement: Think about aspects of your life where you would like to see positive change, such as managing stress, improving relationships, achieving fitness goals, or increasing productivity.
- Define Your “10” and “0”: For each area, clearly define what a “10” would represent (your ideal state or best possible outcome) and what a “0” would represent (the worst possible situation). Be as specific as possible in your descriptions.
- Assess Your Current Position: On your chosen scale, honestly rate where you believe you are currently.
- Acknowledge Your Strengths: If your rating is above 0, ask yourself: “What have I done to reach this point? How have I managed to not be at a lower number?” This helps you recognise your existing efforts and resources.
- Envision Small Progress: Think about what a one-point increase would look like. What small, concrete changes would you notice in your thoughts, feelings, or behaviours? What would others notice?.
- Identify Actionable Steps: Brainstorm small, achievable steps you could take to move just one point higher on your scale. These should be specific and within your control.
- Track Your Progress Regularly: Periodically revisit your scales and assess whether your rating has changed. Celebrate even small improvements .
- Analyse What Works: If you notice an increase in your rating, reflect on what actions or changes contributed to that progress. Do more of what works.
- Adjust Your Approach: If you aren’t seeing the progress you’d like, reconsider your “10” and “0” definitions and the steps you are taking. Be flexible and willing to try different approaches.
By regularly using scaling questions for self-reflection, you can gain greater clarity about your goals, track your development, recognise your capabilities, and identify practical steps towards a more fulfilling life. This process encourages a solution-focused mindset and empowers you to take control of your own progress.
Summary
Scaling questions are a valuable tool in coaching and therapy, particularly within SFBT. They involve rating subjective experiences and progress on a numerical scale (typically 0-10). Professionals use them to assess the current situation, define goals, track progress, identify strengths, explore small steps, and gauge confidence and motivation. Individuals can also utilise scaling questions for self-improvement by defining their desired outcomes and current position, acknowledging their strengths, envisioning small progress, and identifying actionable steps to enhance various aspects of their lives.