In CBT-Socratic Dialogue, which question best demonstrates probing assumptions?

• A. What evidence supports your position?
• B. What assumptions are you making?
• C. What are the pros and cons of this path?
• D. What would getting an answer, regardless of the outcome, mean to you?

Answer: (B)

Probing assumptions means bringing to light the hidden premises that must be true for a belief to hold. In CBT-Socratic dialogue, asking what assumptions you are making directly invites the client to identify the underlying beliefs that support the thought. This makes it possible to examine and challenge them rather than simply gather evidence or weigh outcomes. It’s the best choice because it opens up the unspoken premise, which is exactly what you want to test and reframe. For example, if a client believes they will fail if they try, asking what assumptions underlie that thought helps reveal the faith in guaranteed failure or in needing perfect outcomes, which you can then question. Other questions tend to focus on supporting evidence, consequences, or general implications, which don’t uncover the hidden premise as directly.