Socratic Questioning Workshop

Socratic Questioning is a psychotherapeutic key tool for both understanding a client’s perceptions and subsequently helping them to change them.

Described by Padesky as “the cornerstone of cognitive therapy” it was first given centre stage psychotherapeutically by Adler in the early 20th century, who in turn greatly influenced Carl Rogers. The technique has also been compared to the characteristics of Circular Questioning used in Family Therapy and has been utilised within the personal coaching field, so it can be used in various therapeutic approaches as a useful communication tool.

As a result, it is a key skill for all therapists (CBT and otherwise) to develop. It enables both therapist and client to engage in the process of “guided discovery” to make sense of the client’s internal and external world which they have the knowledge to answer. As a result the client initiates their own perceptual and cognitive changes.

The technique is especially useful in assessment and formulation, changing unhelpful cognitions, exploring new ways of thinking about things, problem solving and devising behavioural experiments. It also acts as a useful counter balance to any therapist tendencies towards “psycho-bulldozing” (Westbrook 2007). It helps develop therapist skill both in making no assumptions whatsoever about the client’s experience (until the client has told you) and fine-tuning the therapist’s curiosity about the client’s view of things.

This workshop provides both an outline of what Socratic Questioning is, along with a preliminary structure (CARPIS Questions) for using it. It will give delegates ample opportunity to observe it being used as well as practicing it themselves. Delegates will also receive gentle feedback on how to fine tune their skills further and develop their newly discovered expertise after the course.

This course is part of the training programme that enables you to complete the BPS Approved Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and other Certificates in CBT. You can build up gradually your CBT training portfolio by attending all the courses within the programme at the pace that suits you. All your training hours will be calculated, recorded in an individual validated log and accumulated towards your full Diploma or Certificate.