What is the purpose of Socratic questioning in CBT?

• A. To provide direct answers to clients.
• B. To diagnose mental illness.
• C. To label thoughts as good or bad.
• D. To gently challenge beliefs and reveal distortions.

Answer: (D)

Socratic questioning in CBT is a collaborative, guided-discovery approach that helps clients examine the validity of their beliefs by exploring evidence, assumptions, and alternatives. The goal is not to provide direct answers or label thoughts as good or bad, but to gently challenge the belief structure and reveal cognitive distortions. Through careful, open-ended questions like what evidence supports this belief, what evidence contradicts it, and what alternative explanations might exist, clients learn to test the logic of their thoughts. This process fosters cognitive flexibility and insight, making beliefs more balanced and cueing adaptive changes in mood and behavior. In short, it is about guiding clients to discover and modify distorted thinking rather than giving them conclusions, diagnosing, or judging their thoughts.