Probing for Key Issues and clarity

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Probing for Key Issues and Clarity

Probing for Key Issues and Clarity

A 25-year old law student is talking to his academic advisor:

"I learned yesterday that I've flunked out of school and that there's no recourse. I've seen everybody, but the door is shut tight. What a mess! I know I haven't gotten down to business the way I should. This is my first year in a large city and there are so many distractions. And school is so competitive. I have no idea how I'll face my parents. They've paid for my college education and this year of law school. I'll have to tell them that It's all down the drain. "

Empathetic Response (Formula)

You feel that the punishment is not fair because there are no other options and the situation is so final.

Question Probe

Which people did you see and what doors are shut?

Statement Probe

I am not sure who you mean by everybody and it's not clear which doors are completely shut.

How Might This Probe Help the Client Move Forward?

It might help the client identify possibilities that he has overlooked because of the emotionality surrounding the situation.

Probing for Key Issues and Clarity

Now it is your time to practice. Following the previous template, create an empathetic response. Develop two types of probes-a statement and question-and provide a succinct summary as to how the probe will help the client move forward.

A high school senior is speaking to his teacher:

"My dad told me the other night that I looked relaxed. Well that's a joke. I don't feel relaxed. There's a lull right now, because the semester break, but next semester I'm signed up for two math courses, and math really rips me up. But I need it for science since I want to go into pre-med."

Probing for Key Issues and Clarity

Take a moment to think about what you have heard. What Empathetic Response would you give? What Question Probe would you use? What Statement Probe would you try? How Might the Probe Help the Client Move Forward?

Empathetic Response (Formula)

You feel overwhelmed because of the challenges your coursework will present next quarter.

Question Probe

What challenges are you expecting from these courses next semester?

Statement Probe

It is not clear what challenges you perceive will occur in these courses next semester.

How Might This Probe Help the Client Move Forward?

It might help the client identify areas of need so that he can identify supports or resources to help him be successful.

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