Which of the following is NOT described as a primary skill for gathering information?

• A. Questioning
• B. Open questions
• C. Closed questions
• D. Verbal underlining

Answer: (D)

Gathering information in counseling relies on questioning as the primary tool. Open questions invite the client to share more detail and context, helping you understand their experiences and perspectives, while closed questions elicit specific facts or confirmations to clarify and validate what you’re learning. Questioning, in its broad sense, covers both of these approaches and drives the information-gathering process.

Verbal underlining isn’t a standard primary technique for gathering information. It suggests emphasizing or highlighting points in the client’s speech, rather than actively eliciting new information or clarifying details. That’s why it isn’t described as a core information-gathering skill, while open and closed questions are.