Which of the following should never be done when gathering information?

Gathering information is a crucial part of the counseling process, and it requires a careful and thoughtful approach. Answering your own questions can inhibit a productive dialogue with clients. When a counselor provides their own answers, it can create a power dynamic that undermines the client's ability to express their own thoughts and feelings. This can prevent clients from feeling heard and limit their engagement in the conversation.

By allowing clients to respond to open-ended questions, you create opportunities for them to share their perspectives and experiences in their own words, which enriches the information gathering process. This approach fosters trust and encourages clients to open up more thoroughly.

Providing too much detail can overwhelm clients and distract from their own issues and concerns. Meanwhile, showing impatience can create a negative atmosphere that may intimidate clients, making them less likely to share important information. All of these aspects reinforce the idea that answering your own questions is indeed something that should never be done when gathering information, as it shifts the focus away from the client and hinders effective communication.