Questions…

  • Enrich client stories by bringing out a more complete description, including important details

  • Appropriate questions are those that are most likely to enlarge or clarify the story

  • Questions can open or close client talk intentionally, according to the needs of the time.

Open Questions

Closed Questions

• Who is most powerful in the family?

• When is the situation worst?

• Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

• Is this typical of your study day?

• Are you working full time?

• Do you feel X demands a lot from you?

Open questions have 4 key stems:

  • What?

    • Often leads to facts

  • How?

    • Often leads to feelings or emotions

  • Why?

    • Often leads to a discussion of reasons. Use cautiously!

  • Could / Would / Can?

    • These questions are considered ideal as they are open and specific.

Probing Questions

  • Can be statements, questions, requests, single words, phrases, non-verbal prompts.

  • Enable you and the person to explore the content of the message more fully.

  • Useful for helping people who are resistant to telling their stories, or need help collaborating on, moving forward in the process.