An open-ended question is a question that can’t be answered with just one word or phrase.
Open-ended questions for counseling allow people to express their feelings and share thoughts they might not otherwise explore.
In fact, this has even become a source of humor in pop culture.
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Bob Newhart’s famous question, “How did that make you feel?”
has become a standard way to lampoon therapy.
This article explores some common types of therapist questions and the value of these seemingly vague kinds of questions.
10 Common Open-Ended Therapist Questions
Every therapist is different, as are the approaches they may use.
They may help you start attacking the issue and really dig into how you are feeling.
Open-Ended vs. Closed-Ended Therapist Questions
Most therapists are trained toask open-ended questions.
Consider the following sentences:
The material covered is identical, but the answers will likely be very different.
The first question is a closed-ended question.
The expected reply is “yes” or “no.”
With a closed-ended question, a client may choose to say more, but often they do not.
There is another important difference between these two sentences.
One pitfall to avoid is when your open-ended question is actually closed-ended.
“Double-barreled” questions, or two questions disguised as one, often fall into this trap.
Saying something like, “What is the problem and how does it make you feel?”
These questions draw out different kinds of responses that can be useful for a therapist.
The proper tone of voice is important when asking any question, specifically when asking “why” questions.
Starting a question with “why” can seem accusatory and cause a person to respond defensively.
Why is that?"
Anyone can use open-ended questions in their daily life.
If you are talking with someone you don’t know very well, ask them open-ended questions.
Do you like your job?
Are you an only child?
Did you like living there?
What’s on your mind?
Why did you choose this field?
Tell me about your family.
What was it like living there?
Examples include:
It’s also a good idea to ask if your therapist is in therapy themselves.
Open-ended questions are designed to help clients reflect on their feelings and elaborate on their experiences.
Such questions encourage people to share more details about their lives, relationships, opinions, and problems.
2017;95(1):29-34.
Souders B. PostivePsychology.com.Therapy questions every therapist should be asking.
March 18, 2020
Nemec PB, Spagnolo AC, Soydan AS.Can you hear me now?
Teaching listening skills.Psychiatr Rehabil J.
2017;40(4):415-417. doi:10.1037/prj0000287
