Mental Health - Karl Tomm Questions

This week we practiced using what are called the "Karl Tomm Questions." These questions are divided into categories depending on the type of question they are. During the last class session, I attempted to write down as many examples of each of the question types as possible. I was able to keep a record of at least one example for every type.

While it was difficult for me to use some of these questions with my friends without them realizing what I was doing, I was able to try some of the questions. The type of question I found myself using the most was distinction-clarifying. Typically, the question would sound like "What does ____ think about this?" or "How do you feel about that?" These questions would not only help me to understand better what was going on, but they also helped the individual critically examine their thoughts.

Another type of question I found myself using frequently was confrontational. I've noticed that I am typically confrontational in general, especially with my friends. An example of this type of question is "Are you sure you ____?" I have to be careful when using this question type because I saw that I had a tendency to carry a tone in it. My tone is not usually neutral and could work against me in a real therapy session. On the other hand, I know my friends so well and vice versa that I felt comfortable challenging their thoughts. In any case, when people are seeking help, these types of questions can shut them off, so I should be careful.

I did not have the opportunity to use all of the question types and I would like to in the future. I did not have the opportunity to try hypothesis and future-oriented. While I did typically ask "what happens next?" I rarely asked what it would look like. It would be ideal to learn these questions and have them become second nature, rather than referring to my notes each time. I was often put in a situation where the questions would have been very helpful, but they were not in my reach. The solution is to practice these questions more and hope to memorize them. The tricky part is, of course, determining when to use what type of question. Much of that process comes only with experience, of which I am lacking.