National Counselor Exam (NCE)

What is a disadvantage of closed-ended questions in counseling?

1. They often lead to long discussions

2. They encourage client disclosure of personal information

3. They usually fail to elicit personal information and maintain dialogue

4. They simplify the complexity of client issues

The correct answer is: They usually fail to elicit personal information and maintain dialogue

Closed-ended questions are designed to elicit specific, often brief responses, typically "yes" or "no" answers or selections from a set list. This format can be limiting in a counseling context because it tends to stifle deeper conversation and personal expression. Clients might provide minimal information that does not allow for exploration of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This limitation means that while closed-ended questions can be useful for gathering specific details or clarifications, they generally do not facilitate the open dialogue that is essential for effective counseling. By not inviting elaboration, these questions can hinder the counselor's ability to understand the client's situation holistically and to probe further into areas that may require attention. In contrast, open-ended questions are generally more effective in fostering discussion and allowing clients to reflect on their feelings and share their experiences in greater detail.