are some exceptions to his negative feelings or differences that can be further magnified (Molnar & de Shazer, 1987, p. 351). Even though Kevin does not respond to my comparison question, my description of his feelings brings forth a verbal response from him.
Building on Kevin's response, I decide to help Kevin broaden the scope of his problem by suggesting the possibility that he can convert his negative energy to something more positive. Furthermore, in my effort to discover exceptions to his problem (Molnar & de Shazer, 1987, p. 353; Berg & Gallagher, 1991, pp. 98-9) and create an alternative story with opening spacing questions (Freedman & Combs, 1996, p. 124), I ask Kevin how he reacts when he gets mad. In his response that he would tell the teacher, Kevin offers the positive opening that deviates from his usual problematic reaction of aggression. Furthermore, when Kevin mumbles his response, his posture momentarily improves as he sits up, thus showing a slightly increased interest in the therapy session.
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