Constructive questions
What is a constructive question?
A question that guides your client towards more independent solution generation and promotes a step towards more positive perspectives
What is a non-constructive question?
A question that serves no real purpose or leads the client to the answer the counselor wants to hear; can be perceived as negative or harmful
Your client, who is in for the first time, mentions that they have noticed that life changes have started since booking their first appointment. You respond, “Do these changes relate to why you came to therapy? Are these the changes you want to continue seeing/making?”
Constructive!
This is constructive because it positively addresses the client's concern and guides her into making the solution for herself. Asking open-ended questions that push clients to self-reflect will be key to asking constructive questions.
Are constructive questions a part of your everyday conversations? Give one example of how you have seen one being used
Yes, we regularly encourage the kids to set their own expectations of themselves for programs/activities and to come up with strategies that guide them to make their own solutions and encourage independence
What are two characteristics of a constructive question?
- Uses a positive approach
- Encourages independence/independent solutions
- Encourages a change in perspective
Why are these types of questions not useful?
They are essentially useless as they do not encourage the client to come up with their own solutions or can be received negatively/critically
Solves no problems & potentially generates more.
You are the counselor; your client has mentioned that they are discouraged about getting into university and need to upgrade some marks first. They claim they “can’t do anything right.” You respond, “Well, you won’t be able to do anything right with that attitude.”
Not constructive!
This is not constructive because it builds on the client's negative/discouraged attitude and does not offer conflict resolution.
Share a constructive question that could be used in a counselling session with a client
Ex. "How did you manage all of this?" "Where do you get the energy to continue from?" "What has to happen for this outcome to occur?"
How do constructive questions target critical thinking?
It encourages self-generation of problem-solving solutions; guides the client to think for themselves
What is an example of a non-constructive statement/question?
"What don't you understand about this?" "Why wouldn't you just..." "Didn't you think about their feelings?" etc.
Two clients get into an argument, but the cause of the argument needs clarifying. After separating the clients from each other, Client A tells you that Client B ‘never listens’ and needs ‘a stern lesson on opening their ear holes or something.’ You ask your client, “What do you feel is not being heard that needs to be for this conflict to be resolved? What would it take for us to move forward?”
Constructive!
This is constructive because it gives the client a chance to feel heard and an opportunity to brainstorm what everyone needs to move forward and feel they reached that conclusion independently.
Why is it important to use constructive questions at your field placement?
By guiding your client towards more positive independent solutions, it builds problem-solving skills and independence
What impact do constructive questions have in a professional setting?
Guiding them to come up with their own positive solutions helps solve the problem at hand and builds their confidence and problem-solving capabilities in a positive light
Why can non-constructive questions pose a problem in a professional setting?
If you come across as judgmental or negative, it only encourages the continuation of the behavior/issue you are trying to fix. If you're asking the wrong questions, it can also waste precious time with your client.
Your client confesses that they struggle to balance life and a full-time student's schedule while working full-time. You ask: “Why don’t you take a load off and call in sick for a few days of either work or school? Do you think that could solve your issues?”
Not constructive!
This is not constructive because it leads with the word ‘Why,’ which can sometimes sound accusatory depending on how you word it and also sound judgemental. It also ends with a leading question, which does not allow your client to think of a solution themselves.
Give an example for when you wouldn't necessarily use a constructive question in your placement
When the client is not in the state to receive/generate problem-solving solutions (if they are too young, not in the right mental or physical state)