Which statement best exemplifies nontherapeutic communication?

• A. Shutting down or using closed-ended questions
• B. Asking open-ended questions to explore feelings
• C. Providing reflective listening
• D. Summarizing what the client says

Answer: (A)

Nontherapeutic communication limits client expression and undermines the therapeutic relationship. Using closed-ended questions that require yes/no answers tends to shut down discussion, prevent the client from sharing feelings or concerns, and can come across as impatient or judgmental. This makes it harder to explore needs, validate emotions, and build trust. By contrast, therapeutic techniques invite dialogue—open-ended questions encourage the client to describe experiences and feelings in detail, reflective listening shows empathy and helps validate what is being said, and summarizing demonstrates that the clinician is accurately understanding and integrating the client’s concerns. Because shutting down conversation with closed-ended questions most directly blocks the client’s ability to communicate, it best exemplifies nontherapeutic communication.