Which technique helps clients elaborate on vague statements by asking for more details or specifics?

The technique of seeking concreteness is critical in social work practice as it directly addresses the need for specificity and clarity in a client's statements. When clients express thoughts or feelings in a vague manner, they may struggle to articulate the underlying issues they are experiencing. By encouraging clients to provide more detailed descriptions or examples, social workers facilitate greater understanding and insight into the client's situation.

Seeking concreteness is particularly effective in helping clients pinpoint exact experiences, emotions, or situations, which can lead to deeper reflection and awareness. This process can uncover important nuances that are essential for effective assessment and intervention. It empowers clients to delve deeper into their narratives, enabling both the client and the social worker to identify specific areas for further exploration or action.

This technique is distinguished from other methods, such as clarification, which focuses more on confirming understanding of what has already been said, or paraphrasing, which involves restating the client’s words to show understanding. Exploration, while useful, is broader and does not specifically target the need for detailed elaboration. Seeking concreteness directly addresses the challenge of vagueness, making it a vital skill in the toolkit of a social worker.