Probing for Key Issues and Clarity

Probing for Key Issues and Clarity

            Probing is the act of skillfully asking questions for more information or detail on a specific issue or matter (Nappi, 2016). Frequently, probing questions are open-ended follow-up questions that aim to clarify a point, giving a clear comprehension because of the problem and the steps to take to move forward. Statement probes are close-ended remarks provided by a therapist that seeks to get a precise clarification of the underlying issue through critical thinking.  Empathic responses reflect on a specific communicated feeling as well as why the mood has been experienced (Bulent, 2016). Useful probing questions open up a more profound understanding of an individual’s personal opinion and feelings, providing the root basis of the issue and the possible approaches to challenge and tackle the problem. It allows the engagement of critical and reflective thinking, empowering the client asked the questions to take different perspectives in managing a dilemma (Wood, 2019).

Case 1

A young woman, recently hired, is discussing her feeling about her boss.

“The more I do, the more the boss seems to expect. He is never satisfied and is always finding fault. I have not been to this company very long, and I do like my job. But the boss is difficult. I think I should be looking for another job because I cannot take it anymore.”

Empathic Response

You feel that the boss is unfair and unappreciative because despite you being still new in the company, you are also doing a lot of work. You also think that you should quit your job because what you do is not enough.

Question Probe

What do you do, and what faults are the boss finding?

Statement Probe

I am not sure how the boss is demanding, and it is not clear what you cannot take anymore.

How might it help the client move forward?

This probe might help the client recognize possibilities on how to learn, understand, and co-exist with the boss by overlooking the emotionality involved when performing his work responsibilities.

Case 2

Tina, a teenage girl, talks about her recent dramatic weight loss.

Tina said she is upset that her mother is constantly nagging her about her weight. She has lost 22 pounds recently, counts calories extensively, and works out vigorously every morning and evening. Tina says, “I am ‘fat,’ and I weigh myself several times each day.” Tina said she often feels offended and reacts differently when her mother and father try to talk to her about her weight loss and eating habits.

Empathic Response

You feel upset and offended at your parents when talking about your weight and eating habits.

Question Probe

What is your weight, and how are your eating habits? What do you see as fat in you?

Statement Probe

I am not sure why your mother is nagging you about your weight, and you have lost 22 pounds already.

How might it help the client move forward?

This probe will help the client understand why her weight is essential to her parents and why she should have an open mind in discussing it with her parents, therefore, controlling her state of emotion.

Case 3

Tom is a resident in a halfway house and was recently released from prison.

Tom said, “I was feeling lonely because I was recently released from prison and didn’t have any friends in the city. So I wrote a letter to the mother of one of the other residents in the halfway house. Well, this was a big mistake, because she got offended and started calling me all kinds of names that were very negative and derogatory. I was trying to make friends, but this backfired, and now I feel worse than I did before this happened.”

Empathic Response

You feel lonely because you are just out of prison, with no friends in the city and worse because your attempt to make a friend has failed.

Question Response

How do you make friends? What made you write a letter to one of the residents?

Statement Response

I am not sure why you wrote to the mother of one, what you wrote in the letter and why the mother of one would call you negative and derogatory names.

How might it help the client move forward?

This probe will help the client understand why his actions in attempting to connect and make friends led to his rejection and negative name-calling. It will help him learn new approaches in making friends and the best people engage and make friendship connections.

Conclusively, probing questions give the therapist a more in-depth insight into the client’s situation, reflecting on their emotional state through empathic responding as the question and statement probes dig out the basis and seek clarity of the case. The answers to these questions will, therefore, provide a roadmap on how the client can adapt, deal, and overcome the situations they are experiencing. These questions initiate critical and reflective thinking that allows clients to develop new perspectives that can challenge the issue at hand.

References

Wood, Amy, (April 23^rd, 2019). Asking Effective Probing Questions. Copper Chronicles. Available at www.copper.com/blog/probing-questions

Bulent et al. (2016). An analysis of teachers’ questioning strategies, Educational Research and Reviews (Vol. 11)

Nappi S, Judith (2016). The Importance of Questioning in Developing Critical Thinking Skills. The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin: International Journal for Professional Educators pp.30-39