There are two types of questions when it comes to intake, assessment and therapy. Open ended versus closed ended questions is the topic that is discussed in this page.
In therapy there is a discussion over open ended versus closed ended questions. Open ended questions are posed so that the client can freely discuss issues without bias from the helper. The client will discuss their feelings and thoughts so that the helper can give them education, tools and help to guide them in the right direction. By making a comfortable situation for the client and having a good relationship while asking open ended questions they may open up. Types of open ended questions are: can you discuss that topic further? Or how did that make you feel?
Open ended versus closed ended questions
The open ended question is used to give the client a reason to talk and discuss beyond what they are saying. It is far different than the closed ended question. When the client is closed off and unable to tell they can be prodded into action. Using an open ended question might do the trick. The best application for the open ended versus closed ended question is when the therapist needs to get the client talking so that they can maximize the benefits of the session.
A close ended question can often times just be yes or no. Clients can become defensive. They may not have to dig deep to deal with what is bothering them if closed ended questions are used. The close ended questions are biased and leading and do not allow the client room to explore. They are used if the client does not have to look at their thoughts and feelings. They only had to talk about facts. Such questions would be like Have you ever been hospitalized before? Or when was the last time you saw a therapist?
So which is it in Open ended versus close ended questions? The closed ended questions are best when information is needed by the therapist or person who is doing intake. Sometimes information comes about easily as a result of the closed ended question, but it has its place.
There certainly is a need for both types of questions when looking at the debate of Open ended versus closed ended questions . So perhaps it is not a debate but rather a discussion on when to use which type of question. It would certainly be irresponsible for a therapist to use closed ended questions when the client has more to say then just yes or no.