What is the good question?

Sometimes it's "why". Sometimes it's "how". It depends on the context of the question. The effect on the client; how does the question work? If it gets the client to continue talking, so you can develop the story together, then it was probably a good question. "Why" can be said in an exploratory or problematizing way. Early family therapists such as Watzlawick suggested that it was more about "what" and "how" something happened in a system of social relationships rather than "why" the participants had their problem behavior? The "why"can be a great way to explore people's intentions. Especially if it is followed up with a focus on hopes and dreams. This is in line with Michael White's narrative focus on the future and Allan Holmgren's suggestion to move from a focus on the problem to the frustrated desire behind it. It also fits well with Wittgenstein and his central idea of "how to go on?". If you work more systemically, Canadian psychiatrist Karl Tomm suggested circular and reflexive questioning techniques that examine the effect of youractions on the social system you are in. "When A does this to B, what happens to C?". So there are many possibilities. 🙂 I work with a language-oriented focus on people's exact use of words. That's how I was brought up professionally. You can also have many other foci/focuses. Emotions, dreams, unconscious conflicts, for example. You have to try your hand. I believe that an appreciative, supportive and curious basic attitude can go a long way.