What is the process of rephrasing what a client has said to demonstrate understanding?

Paraphrasing is the process of rephrasing what a client has said to demonstrate understanding. It involves restating the essence of the client's message in the social worker's own words, which shows that the worker is actively listening and trying to grasp the client's perspective. This technique helps to clarify the client's feelings and thoughts, ensuring that both parties are on the same page, and it encourages further communication. By using paraphrasing, the social worker can facilitate a deeper exploration of issues, as clients often feel more validated and understood when their words are reflected back to them.

The concept of clarification involves asking questions or seeking more detail, which helps clear up confusion but does not specifically involve restating the client's words. Feedback refers to responses provided to a client's statements or actions, which could include insights or opinions but are distinct from rephrasing. Summation entails wrapping up or summarizing the main points of a conversation, which is broader than paraphrasing and may not focus specifically on an individual client's comments.