Powerful Questions
It is important to know that therapy is not simply a pleasant chat. A skilled therapist knows just what to ask in order to help his or her clients move forward. Below are examples of powerful therapeutic questions.
Anticipation
What might happen?
What if it doesn’t work out the way you wish?
What if that doesn’t work?
And if that fails, what will you do?
What is your backup plan?
Assessment
What do you make of it?
What do you think is best?
How does it look to you?
How do you feel about it?
What if it doesn’t work?
Clarification
What do you mean?
What does it feel like?
What seems to confuse you?
Can you say more?
What do you want?
Evaluation
In what way?
Is this good, bad, or in between? In what way?
How does this fit with your plans/way of life/values?
What do you think that means?
What is your assessment?
These are the types of questions that can make the difference in therapy.
