Steve de Shazer

(1940–2005) Pioneer of solution-focused brief therapy, he proposed a model in which the role of the therapist is to focus attention on the present and the future, leaving the past behind. Miraculous question, expressed in these terms: “Imagine that one night, while you are sleeping, a miracle happens, and your problem is solved. How would he know? What would be different?”.

Robin Routledge: I am with Steve and others in a bar at 2am in Dallas. A young man approaches and says: “I have your magic figured out Steve.  I’ve written it on this paper.”  Steve takes the little scrap of paper from him, looks at it, asks for his pen, and draws something on it, then gives it back.  The student says: “Oh yes! Of course. Thank you.”, and leaves.  I stop him and ask to look at the paper.  There are three lines, each saying only “less”.  And there is a mark through two of the lines.