Power of Discernment: When and How to Use Why Questions as Clarifying Skills

Abstract

ABSTRACT Clinical social workers apply clarification skills to elucidate clients’ expressions, using the 6Wh questions: What, When, Where, Who, Who else, and Why. Research in forensic social work with children has criticized the why due to its perceived accusatory tone. This article explores the various uses of clarifying questions for therapeutic goals, drawing from forensic interviewing research and the 5E (explore – explain – elaborate – examine – evaluate) inquiry model. The 5E cycle guides the Wh-sequence, proposing a sequential application of 6Whs ;(who, when, where, what, who else, and why+how) with an empathic tone and a gradual shift of a cycle of concrete-abstract-concrete explorations. This application advocates asking developmentally appropriate and situation-specific questions, one at a time, coupled with active listening, before further seeking clarification.