Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

In reflection, a counselor identifies and repeats what aspect of the client's communication?

1. The facts of the situation

2. The client's feelings

3. The counselor's own experiences

4. The solutions to the client's concerns

The correct answer is: The client's feelings

In the context of counseling, reflecting involves the counselor actively listening to the client and then conveying an understanding of the client's emotional experience. By focusing on the client's feelings, the counselor acknowledges and validates the client's emotional state, which fosters a supportive therapeutic environment. This reflective practice helps the client feel heard and understood, which can enhance the therapeutic alliance. By pinpointing and articulating the emotions expressed by the client, the counselor encourages deeper exploration of these feelings, allowing the client to process their thoughts and emotions more thoroughly. While discussing the facts of the situation might provide context, it does not delve into the emotional depth needed for effective counseling. Similarly, sharing the counselor’s own experiences or proposing solutions to the client’s concerns would shift the focus away from the client’s feelings and hinder the reflection process that builds rapport and understanding.