Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Utilizing closed questions is particularly effective for minimizing long-winded responses from clients. This approach involves asking specific questions that typically require short, direct answers, such as "Yes" or "No." By guiding the client to provide concise information, the counselor can maintain control over the conversation and ensure that the discussion remains focused on pertinent issues.

Closed questions minimize the likelihood of lengthy, meandering narratives because they limit the scope of the client's response. Instead of prompting them to elaborate on their thoughts or feelings, these questions encourage straightforward responses that provide clear and immediate information. This can be especially useful in situations where time is limited or when the counselor needs to gather specific facts quickly to guide the next steps in the counseling process.

In contrast, open questions encourage clients to share their thoughts more expansively, often leading to longer, more detailed responses. Yawns and silence generally do not serve as effective strategies for managing communication and may even lead to discomfort or confusion, resulting in prolonged answers as clients try to fill the silence or interpret the yawns.