How do you avoid closed-ended questions that may trigger resistance or defensiveness in depressed clients?

In counseling depressed clients, it's vital to use open-ended questions that promote exploration and self-expression. These questions should invite clients to share their feelings and experiences in depth, avoiding yes or no answers. Phrasing questions to encourage elaboration, like "Can you tell me more about...?" or "How do you feel when...?" helps in creating a safe space for clients to open up without feeling cornered, judged, or defensive, thereby fostering a more effective therapeutic dialogue.

It is through dialogue that hope and options or new possibilities for change arise. They are a gift co-evolving from transparent and transformative actions between people . For me relationships within dialogue are pivotal. Engaging in conversations where people (therapists, clients, and adjunct support systems) exchange ideas and meaning with each other co-produces self tailored change. It cannot, not. Clients lead us as practitioners to what is important to talk about and what they need. It does not have be dehumanizing regardless of the severity of suffering or a person’s “history”. Perhaps conversations are alive, and cannot be replicated or reduced to a skill set. They are ultimately owned and respected by people who engage in them.

Open-ended questions prompt a conversation because they can't be answered with one-word answers. An example of an open-ended question would be 'Where do you want to be in five years?' The answer to this questions varies from person to person, and can only be answered with a unique perspective that usually prompts a longer conversation.

Some things that are helpful with empathy questions are asking about or taking a specific shot at feelings and combining that with asking about the patient's or client's experience. Finding out about beliefs around an issue can also be helpful and then looking at the feelings around those beliefs.

If you could, what would you....? Would you mind telling me more about that? What does it look like to you on the other side of.....? I'm curious why....? What do you like about heroin/alcohol/meth? The spirit of MI is many things; opening cognitive doors and support in developing insight are a part of that spirit.

I like to think of open ended questions as open minded questions so you have an open mind as to what someone will respond with and you lean into being curious. Put that frame on and ask away. Lean into the MI spirit and you’ll be fine!

I've found it helpful to carry a sense of curiosity in mind when engaging with my clients. To get myself into the spirit of MI I practice some "I'm wondering ..." or "I'm curious ..." questions. Curiosity shows interest, is less interrogatory than a directive question ("Tell me about ..."), and invites the client to help me understand them better. Anette Larson MA, LPCC, LADC

When comparing closed and open questions, consider this: closed questions usually are framed so that I can get information from the client that I want to know; open questions are more about what the client wants to tell me.