In which part of a counseling session should open-ended questions be used predominantly?

Open-ended questions are predominantly used during the information gathering phase of a counseling session because they encourage the client to share more about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their own words. This technique is crucial for gathering comprehensive information, as it allows clients to express themselves freely without the constraints of a yes-or-no format.

Using open-ended questions helps the counselor gain deeper insights into the client's financial situation, aspirations, and challenges. This approach fosters a conversational environment where clients may reveal aspects they consider essential, which may not surface through closed questions. Additionally, utilizing this technique can establish rapport between the counselor and client, making the counseling process more effective.

In contrast, the introduction typically focuses on setting the tone and explaining the purpose of the session, where more straightforward questions may suffice. During the discussion phase, while open-ended questions can still be useful, the focus may shift to more targeted queries based on the information gathered earlier. The conclusion usually involves summarizing the session and outlining next steps, where questions are more likely to be directive rather than open-ended.