What type of questions are designed to lead clients to agree with a certain perspective or solution proposed by the social worker?

Leading questions are specifically crafted to guide clients toward agreeing with a particular perspective or conclusion that the social worker has in mind. These questions often suggest a preferred answer or imply a bias towards a specific viewpoint, subtly steering the client's response in a certain direction.

For instance, by asking, "Don't you think it would be better for you to consider therapy?" the social worker is encouraging the client to align with the notion that therapy is a beneficial option without allowing them the space to express differing views or explore other alternatives. This technique is often used to prompt the client to affirm a particular path or solution, making it easier for the social worker to manage the conversation and keep it focused on their proposed strategy.

In contrast, open-ended questions invite clients to share their thoughts and feelings freely, supporting exploration and self-expression rather than leading them to a specific conclusion. Clarifying questions help ensure that the social worker understands the client’s perspective, while closed questions typically require a simple yes or no answer and do not promote deeper reflection or agreement on broader topics.