What are the two types of questions commonly used during counseling sessions?

The two types of questions commonly used during counseling sessions are open-ended and closed questions. Open-ended questions invite the individual being counseled to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a freeform manner, providing a wealth of information and encouraging deeper conversation. For example, a counselor might ask, "How do you feel about your current situation?" This type of question allows for a nuanced response, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the individual’s perspective.

Closed questions, on the other hand, typically require a specific, concise response, often a simple 'yes' or 'no.' These questions can be useful for confirming information or narrowing down specific details. An example would be, "Did you attend the last meeting?" which expects a direct response and helps the counselor gather factual information.

Together, these two types of questions serve distinct purposes in counseling, enabling an effective balance between exploration and clarification of the issues at hand. By utilizing both open-ended and closed questions, counselors can facilitate a thorough discussion while also maintaining focus on essential topics.