In therapeutic communication, which type of question should be avoided?

In therapeutic communication, which type of question should be avoided?

• A. What questions.
• B. How questions.
• C. Why questions.
• D. When questions.

Answer: (C)

In therapeutic communication, the aim is to invite the client to share openly and to understand their experience without making them defend or justify themselves. Why questions tend to press for justification and can come across as blaming or judging, which often puts the client on the defensive and breaks rapport. Because of that, they are best avoided. Instead, use what, how, or when questions to explore thoughts, feelings, and circumstances—these invite reflection and collaboration. For example, ask what led to a change in behavior, how a situation affected the client, or when symptoms began. If a why question slips in, reframe it softly: what happened that contributed to this, or how did that situation influence you?

In therapeutic communication, the aim is to invite the client to share openly and to understand their experience without making them defend or justify themselves. Why questions tend to press for justification and can come across as blaming or judging, which often puts the client on the defensive and breaks rapport. Because of that, they are best avoided. Instead, use what, how, or when questions to explore thoughts, feelings, and circumstances—these invite reflection and collaboration. For example, ask what led to a change in behavior, how a situation affected the client, or when symptoms began. If a why question slips in, reframe it softly: what happened that contributed to this, or how did that situation influence you?