What is paraphrasing in counseling?

Paraphrasing in counseling involves restating a client's words in a way that captures the essence of their message while using different phrasing. This technique helps clients feel heard and understood, as it shows that the counselor is actively listening and processing what the client is expressing. By mirroring the client's words, the counselor can clarify the client's thoughts and feelings, encourage deeper reflection, and promote an understanding of the issues at hand.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately define paraphrasing. An emotional response relates more to empathy than to restating client statements. A summary encompasses a broader overview of the session rather than focusing specifically on individual statements. A question aimed at furthering discussion may facilitate dialogue but does not involve restating client input. Thus, selecting the option that describes paraphrasing as a statement mirroring the client’s words is the best representation of this key counseling skill.