List the words you would say in reflecting the content of her statement
What will be an ideal response?
ANS: Students' answers will vary. Reflecting content (Carkhuff, 1987) is the empathic skill of communicating your
understanding of the factual, descriptive, or informational part of a message. In exercising this skill, a form of active
listening, you paraphrase or restate the client's words. By accurately reflecting content, you demonstrate that you
have heard and understood what the client is trying to convey.
This skill is most applicable when a client communicates factual or descriptive material, or shares ideas that
lack an emotional dimension. If clients do not express feelings, do not add them to your content reflections. Stick
with their message and accurately communicate your understanding of what clients say. This is crucial for several
reasons. If clients do not believe that you understand their expressions, they may become less open and expressive,
or they may even prematurely discontinue services. Accurate restatement of clients' expressions about the problems
or issues that led to the contact demonstrates that you understand their concerns. Accurate reflections of content can
also contribute to the development of a positive working relationship and promote a sense of collaborative
partnership. Without accurate reflections, clients are likely to assume a passive, subordinate role in the process and
view the social worker as an expert who asks questions, collects information, diagnoses problems, gives answers,
and prescribes solutions.
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