Exception questions in Solution Focused Therapy are used to:

• A. Identify triggers
• B. Explore exceptions and resources
• C. Label disorder
• D. Confirm diagnosis

Answer: (B)

Exception questions in Solution Focused Therapy focus on moments when the problem was not present or was less intense. The aim is to uncover these exceptions and the resources, strategies, or supports the person used during those times. By identifying what was different in those successful moments, the therapist helps the client notice existing strengths and effective coping skills, creating a evidence-based foundation to expand on in the future. This keeps the work oriented toward solutions and growth rather than dwelling on the problem.

This approach is not about pinpointing triggers, labeling a disorder, or confirming a diagnosis. Triggers are typically explored to understand what activates the problem, which is more diagnostic or problem-focused. Labeling a disorder and confirming a diagnosis are clinical assessments, not techniques used to elicit hope and practical resources through exception exploration.