Which type of question is most likely to make a client feel defensive?

The use of "why questions," especially when used excessively, can lead to a client feeling defensive because they often imply an assumption of incorrectness or wrongdoing on the client’s part. Such questions can create a perception that the client needs to justify their thoughts, feelings, or actions, which can trigger defensiveness. For instance, asking "Why did you choose that option?" might make a client feel they are being questioned for their judgment, leading them to become guarded in their responses.

In contrast, open-ended questions typically invite exploration and dialogue, encouraging clients to express themselves freely without feeling cornered. Closed questions, while they may sometimes elicit brief or limited responses, generally do not carry the same weight of implication as "why questions." Rhetorical questions, while they might serve to make a point, usually do not place the client in a position of needing to defend their views. Therefore, the nature of "why questions" makes them particularly sensitive, which is why they can induce defensiveness in clients when they are overused.