Which therapeutic communication technique involves asking open-ended questions to encourage discussion?

• A. Validation
• B. Reflective listening
• C. Closed-ended questions
• D. Open-ended questions

Answer: (D)

Open-ended questions invite patients to talk in detail, which helps you gather richer information and keep the conversation flowing. By asking prompts that require more than a yes or no, you encourage the patient to describe their experiences, thoughts, and feelings in their own words. This builds rapport and gives you a fuller picture of symptoms, concerns, and how a condition affects daily life. For example, asking, "How have you been managing your symptoms since your last visit?" or "What brings you here today, and how has it been affecting you?" invites a narrative rather than a brief answer, fostering meaningful discussion. In contrast, validation focuses on recognizing and affirming emotions, and reflective listening involves restating or clarifying what the patient said to show understanding, while closed-ended questions yield short, limited responses. Open-ended questions align with the goal of encouraging discussion and uncovering comprehensive information.