National Counselor Exam Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Study Resource

Closed-ended questions are designed to elicit a specific, limited response from a client, typically requiring a yes/no answer or a choice from predetermined options. This format is useful in gathering precise information or clarifying particular points, allowing the counselor to maintain control over the conversation's direction and focus. For example, asking a client if they feel sad today can result in a straightforward acknowledgment or negation, making it easier to quantify the client's feelings and responses.

In contrast, open-ended questions encourage a more expansive and qualitative response, inviting the client to elaborate on their feelings and experiences. Probing questions serve to dig deeper into a client's responses, while reflective questions aim to paraphrase or mirror the client's thoughts and feelings, fostering greater depth in the conversation. These types of questions open up dialogue, allowing for richer interactions and more nuanced insights, rather than restricting the client to simple responses.