What does paraphrasing involve?

Paraphrasing involves restating what the client says using the counselor’s own words, which is precisely what option C describes. This technique allows the counselor to demonstrate active listening and ensures that the client’s message is accurately understood and reflected back. By using the counselor's own words, it provides clarity and validates the client’s feelings and experiences, fostering a collaborative dialogue.

This process enhances communication, as it encourages the client to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings, facilitating a deeper understanding of their concerns. Paraphrasing also helps to clarify misunderstandings and confirms to the client that they are being heard and valued in the conversation.

In contrast, repeating the client’s exact words does not enhance understanding or provide new insights, as it merely echoes their language without engaging further. Writing notes about the client’s family is unrelated to the act of paraphrasing and does not involve restating client statements. Similarly, summarizing the session's conclusions prematurely fails to capture the nuance of the client's thoughts as it may overlook important details and insights shared earlier in the discussion.