A problem frame seeks answers to questions such as: what don’t you want? What do you want to get rid of, remove, or discard? What is wrong? What made this problem happen? Why is it a problem? Whose fault is it? What can you do to fix it now?

The outcome frame is different. We ask: What do you want? How can you get it? What resources are available? Where are you now in relation to this outcome?

The problem frame is about consuming “solutions” in the present and distorting current reality. The outcome frame is about the creation of the future and taking responsibility in the present. For example, a common “problem” many overweight clients struggle with is high LDL cholesterol levels. When you view your health status within the problem frame, then taking medications seems like the only logical solution.

However, if we exit this problem frame and move our consciousness into an outcome frame, we can establish the following desired outcome: “weigh 120 lbs. by next April, by eating only organic foods and exercising for one whole hour every single day for the next 90 days.” The consequences of this consistent behavior will include not only weight loss, but the elimination of the “problem” (high LDL levels) without addressing it directly. In other words, we did not worry about solving the problem, but it was solved anyhow.