M2: Client Information

Question 1

Selective Pacing

Answer 1

This is useful so that a client does not feel interrogated. Selectively restating client comments allows the client’s statements to provide the basis for obtaining additional information while also communicating caring and understanding.

Question 2

Imperative Statements

Answer 2

Statements that start with words such as “Tell me . . . “ or “Explain . . . “ provide counselors with another tactic for gathering information without asking questions. This tactic can also be used to clarify meaning.

Question 3

Declarative Leads

Answer 3

Similarly, a counselor can state or declare her own thoughts followed by silence. This tactic may encourage a fuller discussion and open communication. Examples of declarative leads are “I am curious . . .” and “I am wondering . . . “

Question 4

Questions

Answer 4

At other times, direct questions may be the best way to gather information. However, there are a number of types of questions that can be used such as yes and no, multiple-choice, dilemma, Level I probes, Level II probes, and faulty questions.

Question 5

Questions - Yes and No

Answer 5

These questions do not encourage the client to offer additional information and can sometimes feel manipulative to the client. These types of questions should be used sparingly – primarily when the counselor wants to limit the amount of client talk.

Question 6

Questions - Multiple-Choice

Answer 6

These questions can be used to present a client with alternatives or force a client to make a choice between alternatives.

Question 7

Questions - Dilemma

Answer 7

The dilemma question is similar to the multiple-choice question in that it provides a client with alternatives. However, most – if not all – of the alternatives are undesirable. This question type should also be used sparingly and typically only to make the available options clear in a given situation.

Question 8

Questions - Level I Probes

Answer 8

Level I probes are typical who, what, when, where, and how questions designed to gather factual information. These types of questions are appropriate during the intake process.

Question 9

Questions - Level II Probes

Answer 9

While Level II probes use the same who, what, when, where, and how format of Level I Probes, they are designed to gather the client’s deeper feelings as opposed to factual information. Therefore, these questions typically include some reference to the client’s feelings or motivation in a particular situation.

Question 10

Questions - Faulty

Answer 10

Faulty questions are rarely appropriate in a counseling setting. This type of question is often framed as a “why” question as in “why did you make that decision?” Or “why did you take that action?” These questions tend to ask the client to provide information that is potentially embarrassing, feels threatening, or that they simply cannot answer. Such questions generally convey judgment (assigning fault) and can undermine the development of an open and trusting relationship with the client. Striving to use questions that are productive and avoid negativity will better serve both the counselor and the client.

Question 11

During the intake process, a counselor should attempt to determine a client’s current financial situation and the factors that affect it.

Answer 11

Income sources and amounts

Family structure

Employment status of other household members

Debt information, including amounts owed, due dates, interest rates, and delinquency status

Monthly and periodic expenses

Question 12

Counselors can collect this information through intake forms that clients complete either online or on paper.

Answer 12

List of items to bring to the counseling session

Client Information Sheet

Consent form

Budget sheet

Debt sheet