Solution-Focused Coaching

What is solution-focused coaching?

Solution-focused coaching is an approach that concentrates on where the client wants to get to and what is already working, rather than analysing the problem and its causes. It assumes people have the resources to move forward and helps them notice strengths, exceptions, and small steps toward the future they want.

It has roots in solution-focused brief therapy and pairs naturally with a growth mindset.

Why it matters

Dwelling on problems can deepen them, while focusing on solutions builds momentum and confidence. Solution-focused coaching is often faster and more energising than problem-centred approaches, which makes it well suited to busy workplaces where people want practical progress. It is especially useful when someone feels stuck.

Key techniques

The miracle question. Imagining the problem solved to clarify the desired future.
Scaling. Rating where you are now and what one step up would look like.
Exceptions. Finding times the problem was absent or smaller, and what was different.
Small steps. Identifying the next concrete action, reinforced through cognitive reframing.

Practical, forward-looking coaching

Coachello’s coaches use approaches like solution-focused coaching to help people move forward quickly, turning stuck situations into concrete next steps.

Help your people get unstuck. Book a demo.

FAQs

How is solution-focused coaching different from other coaching?

It deliberately focuses on the desired future and what is already working, rather than analysing the problem and its causes, which often makes it faster and more energising.

What is the miracle question?

A technique that asks the client to imagine waking up with the problem solved, to clarify what they actually want and notice signs of it already present.

When is solution-focused coaching most useful?

When someone feels stuck or overwhelmed by a problem, or when practical, quick progress matters more than deep analysis of causes.