Reflecting skills involve which technique?

Reflecting skills involve which technique?

• A. Directing the client to a specific plan
• B. Restating or paraphrasing the client's message to reflect understanding
• C. Giving unsolicited advice
• D. Ignoring emotional content

Answer: (B)

Reflecting skills involve restating or paraphrasing what the client has said to show you understand both the content and the feelings behind it. This demonstrates active listening, validates the client’s experience, and invites them to explore further. For example, if a client says, “I’m overwhelmed at work and I don’t know how to cope,” a reflective response would be, “You’re feeling overwhelmed by the workload and unsure about what to do next.” This confirms understanding and encourages more sharing. The other options miss this reflective stance: directing the client to a plan moves toward guidance rather than listening; giving unsolicited advice interrupts the client’s process; ignoring emotional content overlooks the affect that often drives thoughts and behavior.

Reflecting skills involve restating or paraphrasing what the client has said to show you understand both the content and the feelings behind it. This demonstrates active listening, validates the client’s experience, and invites them to explore further. For example, if a client says, “I’m overwhelmed at work and I don’t know how to cope,” a reflective response would be, “You’re feeling overwhelmed by the workload and unsure about what to do next.” This confirms understanding and encourages more sharing. The other options miss this reflective stance: directing the client to a plan moves toward guidance rather than listening; giving unsolicited advice interrupts the client’s process; ignoring emotional content overlooks the affect that often drives thoughts and behavior.