After a client has expressed his or her main reasons for seeking counseling, what could a therapist ask to begin a transition of the interview to personal history?

• A. Could you tell me a bit about your life growing up or your parents?
• B. What would you like to change most about your current situation?
• C. Do you have any current medical conditions?
• D. What are your hobbies?

Answer: (A)

Beginning with the client’s stated reasons, shifting to personal history is best done by inviting a narrative about life growing up or parents. This open-ended question signals you’re moving from present concerns toward the background that shaped the person, encouraging sharing of early experiences, family dynamics, and environment. Understanding that history helps you see patterns, attachment styles, and influences that contribute to current problems, which is essential for a meaningful assessment and treatment planning. The other prompts focus more on present issues, such as desired changes in current circumstances, medical history, or hobbies, and do not invite the deeper developmental context that personal history requires.