What type of question best encourages communication from a client who may be hesitant to express pain?

Open-ended questions are instrumental in encouraging communication from a client who may be hesitant to express their pain. These types of questions invite more elaborate responses rather than simple yes or no answers, allowing the client to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences at length. When clients feel free to express themselves without being restricted to a specific response format, they are more likely to disclose information about their pain that they might otherwise withhold.

Using open-ended questions provides a safe space for clients, helping to build rapport and trust. For instance, asking "Can you tell me more about how you've been feeling?" opens the door for the client to discuss not just pain, but the context, intensity, triggers, and associated factors. This approach is particularly effective for clients who may struggle to articulate their discomfort due to anxiety, fear, or simply being unsure of how to express their feelings.

In contrast, other types of questions, such as closed-ended questions or yes or no questions, can limit the client's responses and may not fully capture the nuances of their experience. Directly asking about pain levels can feel too confrontational or may prompt defensiveness in clients who are already struggling to vocalize their discomfort.