Invite reflection with open-ended questions
Sometimes, Friends might not want to talk, needing more a companion in silence. When we feel resistance to talking, we back off but remain engaged. In some cases, an effective question gives permission to Friends to begin talking.
                                                      
Invite Friends to describe their experience. You might start by saying, “Tell me what happened.” Inviting responses are open-ended (they can be answered in many different ways) and include sentences that begin with how, when, where, who, what. A gentle “open-ended” question can invite Friends to continue and help us better understand their experiences.

Why is not suggested as a response. What is the problem with asking “why?”