Importance of Free Speech

Morrison provides two principles, for the therapist to use, to keep in mind when choosing probing questions, “1. Select probes that will resolve unanswered questions. It’s more efficient to concentrate your efforts on areas your patient has not already covered. 2. If your questions show that you know a lot about the illness, you will be perceived as knowledgeable. The resulting dividend of rapport and trust should lead to increased sharing of information” (p.55).  The questions that the therapist asks can either put the client at ease or create a barrier to their relationship, so this is very important. When the therapist is asking the client about specific information about a symptom the client will want to know exactly what happened, when it happened, how long it lasted, if they knew what triggered it, and if something makes it better. The reason they ask these questions is so that they get a better understanding of the symptom to treat the client. Of course, there are times that the client might explain some things that they are doing, unknowingly, to make the symptom worse.

There are something’s that skilled interviewers should avoid, according to Morrison, “Don’t phrase questions in the negative; Don’t ask double questions; avoid leading questions; encourage precision; keep questions brief; keep on the lookout for new leads” (p.57).

Skilled interviewers are aware of good communication. They know how to listen to the client, acknowledge the clients feelings, and to diffuse situations before they escalate to a point where things could get out of hand.

 

References

 

Morrison, J., (2008). The First Interview. (3^rd Ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.