Open questions typically invite which type of client response?

• A. Yes/No answers
• B. They invite detailed, exploratory responses
• C. Brief, one-word answers
• D. High interpretive judgments

Answer: (B)

Open questions are designed to elicit more than a simple yes or no, inviting clients to describe their experiences in their own words. When a clinician uses open-ended prompts—like "Tell me about what happened next," or "What was that like for you?"—the client offers detailed, exploratory responses that reveal thoughts, feelings, meanings, and context. This depth supports the therapeutic process by building rapport and uncovering patterns or issues that might not emerge with closed questions. In contrast, Yes/No answers and brief, one-word replies come from closed questions, which seek specific information or confirmation and tend to limit depth. High interpretive judgments describe the clinician's perspective rather than the client's response type, so it doesn't reflect the invitation to elaborate. Therefore, open questions invite detailed, exploratory responses.