Restating a client's ideas to gain a fuller understanding is an example of which technique?

Restating a client's ideas to gain a fuller understanding is an example of which technique?

• A. Clarification
• B. Paraphrasing
• C. Generalization
• D. Interpretation

Answer: (B)

Paraphrasing involves restating a client's ideas in your own words to gain a fuller understanding. It shows you heard and reflected back what was said, helps confirm accuracy, and invites the client to expand or clarify further. This mirrors the message and can reveal nuances the client wants to add. Clarification, in contrast, focuses on asking questions to resolve any ambiguity or fill gaps in meaning, rather than restating the whole idea. Generalization would apply a broad label that smooths over specifics of the client’s experience, and interpretation would try to infer underlying motives or feelings not directly stated. For example, if a client says they’re overwhelmed by deadlines, a paraphrase would be, “You’re feeling overwhelmed by your workload and the deadlines are making it hard to stay on top of things,” which confirms understanding and prompts the client to confirm or elaborate.

Paraphrasing involves restating a client's ideas in your own words to gain a fuller understanding. It shows you heard and reflected back what was said, helps confirm accuracy, and invites the client to expand or clarify further. This mirrors the message and can reveal nuances the client wants to add. Clarification, in contrast, focuses on asking questions to resolve any ambiguity or fill gaps in meaning, rather than restating the whole idea. Generalization would apply a broad label that smooths over specifics of the client’s experience, and interpretation would try to infer underlying motives or feelings not directly stated. For example, if a client says they’re overwhelmed by deadlines, a paraphrase would be, “You’re feeling overwhelmed by your workload and the deadlines are making it hard to stay on top of things,” which confirms understanding and prompts the client to confirm or elaborate.