Ask whether something in particular has happened. Maintain eye contact while talking and try to be open and open-minded. Do not be afraid of silences occurring – thoughts and feelings are being processed during these silences. There are times when you need to ask clear questions to get the conversation going – “What did you do yesterday?”, or “How are things going at school / work?” If things that the person perceives as positive in his or her life come up, point them out and emphasise them.