The Process of Questioning

Abstract

Therapist questions are meant to generate patient information that is unknown to the therapist but needed for treatment. They are used to (a) facilitate free association/foster patient exploration and (b) to gain specific information about the patient, their problems, and the unique ways that they think, feel, behave, and respond to the therapy process. Suggestions are provided for the proper wording of questions as well as determining an appropriate frequency for their use. This is because an overuse of questions, or even the inclusion of irrelevant questions, can derail the therapy process and lead to alliance ruptures. However, questions can be used to meet a number of important clinical aims and are a necessary part of any treatment. The chapter ends with a consideration of how therapists can effectively handle patient questions.