The skill of asking questions instead of giving advice. The therapist does not say, "your thought is wrong," but helps the client reach a more accurate conclusion through open questions. The goal is to awaken critical reflection, not to impose a position. Question types include clarification, exceptions, evidence and consequences. This is a foundation of CBT.
Step-by-step guide
- Begin with an open question about the situation.
- Ask one question at a time and let the client answer fully.
- Use the client's answer as the basis for the next question.
- Look for exceptions: "Has it ever been different?"
- Clarify global words such as always, never and everyone.
- Stop when the client reaches the conclusion; do not supply it for them.
When to use
- Clients with enough reflective capacity to examine thoughts
- Beliefs that feel obvious but contain logical errors
- Catastrophizing about the future
- Perfectionism and the pattern "I am wrong"
- Mind reading and fortune telling
Key phrases
When you say "I am a complete failure," what do you mean? No success anywhere, or some areas that are working better?
Follow-up questions
Has this ever happened differently?
Suppose the worst case does happen. What would you do next?
You said nothing works, but you came here today. Where does that fit?
If this happened to your friend, what would you say to them?
Alternative phrasings
Help me understand.
What would happen if.?
If this were true, what would it mean to you?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not turn questioning into interrogation; angry clients may feel trapped.
- ⚠️ Questions with a predetermined answer are manipulation, not Socratic dialogue.
- ⚠️ Some clients experience questions as lack of support; combine inquiry with empathy.
- ⚠️ Do not use as the main intervention when the client is exhausted or in acute crisis.
Source: Beck, Freeman & Associates, 1990; adapted from Socratic method
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.