Reflecting And Communicating Feelings
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Identifying the other person's emotions will help you to reflect feelings.Client: I try and I try, but I hardly ever seem to succeed. Everytime I try to do what he wants (talking about his boss) it doesn't work out. When I try to do things the way I think they should be done, he doesn't like that either. I just don't know what to do.What word best represents the client's feelings?
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Guilty
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Angry
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Frustrated
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This section is intended to help one master the skill of reflecting feelings.
This lesson will:
1. Help to identify the other person's feelings that best describes their current state.
2. Help you to reflect feelings with the appropriate affective words.
3. Choose whether reflection of feelings is appropriate in certain situations.
Quiz Preview
- 2.
Client: (discussing a close friend) It bothers me, and I really worry about him, I want to help, but I just can't get through to him.Choose the emotion that best describes the client's feelings?
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Resigned
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Frustrated
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Concerned
Correct Answer
A. ConcernedExplanation
"I want to help" suggest concernRate this question:
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- 3.
Client: (Discussing her recent remarriage) There is just one feeling I have when I look at him, I'm not sure I can find the word. I feel good inside - sort of glowing-like I used to when I woke up on Christmas morning.Choose the emotion that best represents the client's feelings.
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Joyous
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Surprise
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Appreciated
Correct Answer
A. JoyousExplanation
The client's statement suggests a strong positive emotion.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Client: I feel deserted (his wife and children have recently left him). There is no where to turn-just nowhere. I feel so left out. I'm sure no one cares whether I live or die.Choose the emotion that best describes the client feelings.
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Depressed
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Apprehensive
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Afraid
Correct Answer
A. DepressedExplanation
The first part of his statement indicated loneliness. The second part indicates that he believes no one cares whether he lives or dies-an indication of depression.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The four questions above were examples to identify feelings...next is how to reflect back the feelings you identify..One of the most important aspect of helping others is developing the ability to reflect the identified feeling back to the person. Client: (relating her husband's reaction to her finding a job) He laughed at me. My own husband just sat there and laughed at me. I felt like such a fool - so put down. Choose the best response that reflects the client's feelings.
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Why didn't you tell him to stop.
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You felt humiliated.
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You felt angry.
Correct Answer
A. You felt humiliated.Explanation
It is often helpful to put yourself in the person's situation. You would probably feel humiliated if someone laughed at you.Rate this question:
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- 6.
When you are reflecting feelings, notice the client's affective words, and reflect them back, or some variation of them without repeating the client's words.Client: (describing difficulties at work) I try, honestly, but I don't get anywhere. Working hard doesn't seem to make any difference; I'm still behind.Choose the response that best reflects the client's feelings.
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I guess you're depressed.
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I guess you must feel that working hard doesn't get you anywhere.
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I guess you feel discouraged.
Correct Answer
A. I guess you feel discouraged.Explanation
This is an accurate reflection of feeling in which you identify the affect associated with the client's comments.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Client: (a former drug addict in rehab) What can I do? I have no money, no skills, and no one to help me. I should do something, but I don't know what.Choose the most appropriate response.
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You sound bewildered at the moment.
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You sound as though you've given up hope.
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All of that must be frightening to you.
Correct Answer
A. You sound bewildered at the moment.Explanation
Ans. B This response shows that you've focused on only part of what the client says. By stating he, "should do something" shows that he has some desire to alter his situation.
Ans. C This response is an overstatement of the emotion expressed by the client. He stated he has no money, or skills, and that he doesn't know what to do. However, he has not indicated that he is frightened about his situation.Rate this question:
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- 8.
It is appropriate to reflect the client's feelings at any time, regardless of the nature of those feelings (positive, negative, or ambivalent) and regardless of the direction of their expression (toward self, or the person helping them through a crisis).Client: There was a time when I felt depressed, but now, thanks to you, I don't feel that way anymore. Choose the response that best reflects the client's feelings.
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We still have a long way to go.
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You've come a long way, and you are thankful for that.
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You feel that I have helped you a great deal, but it was you who did all the work.
Correct Answer
A. You've come a long way, and you are thankful for that.Explanation
It is always appropriate to reflect feelings even when they are directed towards you. Reflection of feelings help to develop the relationship.
Ans. C detracts from the statement the client has made. And denies the client the right to express his or her feelings.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Clients may be sometime out of touch with their feelings and unable to discuss them. When their feelings are reflected back to them, however, they become more aware of them and are able to evaluate their appropriateness. Reflecting feeling may be defined as responding to the underlying feeling or emotional aspect of a client's response while ignoring its cognitive aspects or content.Client: (Describing a co-worker) You should see him. He's really something! Good looking! And I have a date with him.Select the best response that reflects the client's feelings.
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You're excited about that!
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Don't get your hopes up it is only a date.
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So you have a date with him.
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What nationality is he?
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How old is he.
Correct Answer
A. You're excited about that!Explanation
Ans. A (is a good response, because you ignored the content or cognitive aspects of what was said and reflected her feelings about what she said.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What your client says represents the content portion of a message. You must be aware also of how the client conveys a message. For example, the client may speak more quickly when communicating enthusiasm, more slowly when communicating discouragement, and so on. Discussing feelings is often an important prerequisite to solving problems. By selectively attending to and reflecting feelings you can help your clients talk about them.Client: (with her head down, speaking in a low tone) I was going to go skiing, but my mother is coming to stay with me.
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It sounds as though that will be just as enjoyable.
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You seem unhappy about that.
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You must be looking forward to her arrival.
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Really, where are you going skiing? Wow, It's been a long time since I've been skiing.
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Your mother is coming to visit you, how long is she staying?
Correct Answer
A. You seem unhappy about that.Explanation
Ans. B : Pay attention to nonverbals. By noting her posture and tone of voice you accurately identify the client's feelings.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Client: I'm glad I finally told you about it. You seem to understand. You seem to understand everything I tell you. Choose the response that best reflects the client's feelings.
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You sound happy about that.
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You should have told someone about this years ago.
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It's a relief to be able to talk about it.
Correct Answer
A. It's a relief to be able to talk about it.Explanation
You've indicated that you understand how the client feels now that he has shared this private information with you.Rate this question:
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- 12.
An important aspect of reflecting feelings is the ability to summarize clearly the emotional aspects of client's messages enabling them to understand and deal with their own emotions. Client: (discussing her aging father) I'm so worried about him. He's working too hard. I don't know what to do to slow him down. Choose the response that best reflects the client's feelings.
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You sound worried about what your father will do to himself by working too hard. You want to help him, but you don't know what to do. You're frustrated by all of this - maybe even a little angry.
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You're anxious and you're concerned about what can be done for your father.
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You sound worried. If I were you, I'd go and have a talk with the family doctor or maybe a minister.
Correct Answer
A. You're anxious and you're concerned about what can be done for your father.Explanation
Response B, is a clear and concise summary to help the client identify and cope with her feelings.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Sometimes a client will make comments that refer to the past, present, or future events. It is productive to reflect and explore feelings that represents the client's current emotional state. Client: (separated from her husband 3 months ago) When he first told me that he was going to leave me, I was very angry, but now I'm managing by myself without his help.
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In the future you'll be glad it worked out this way.
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You're really proud that you have managed by yourself.
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You were really angry when he first told you.
Correct Answer
A. You're really proud that you have managed by yourself.Explanation
The correct answer is "You're really proud that you have managed by yourself." The client mentioned that she is managing by herself without her husband's help, indicating that she is proud of her ability to handle things independently. This response acknowledges and validates her feelings of pride in her own accomplishments.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Reflect feelings that pertains to the immediate session.Client: My father was a counselor. Boy, did I ever hate him. I'm sure all counselors are alike.Choose the response that best reflects the client's feelings.
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I get the feeling you don't like counselors, including me.
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You must have hated your father very much.
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You shouldn't feel that all counselors are bad.
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What type of counselor was your father.
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Why did you hate your father?
Correct Answer
A. I get the feeling you don't like counselors, including me.Explanation
By implication the client has stated that he hates all counselors including you. With this response you are asking him to explore his feelings with you. It is important that the client understand his feelings with you before he goes on to discuss any other matters.
The client is also addressing a then and there topic (past experience) by your first response you allowing him to be very present with that emotion by expressing his feelings with you.Rate this question:
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- 15.
When a client has mixed feelings rather than single feelings, one of your responsibility is to help the client to sort out their mixed feelings.Occasionally a client may say one thing with words while saying something entirely different with actions.Client: (discussing her estranged husband) I hope Joe will pay child support. He was no good, but he did provide. I worry about what we will do if he doesn't. Choose the response that best reflects the client's feelings.
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It sounds as though you're depending on Joe to come through.
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You hope that you will have some financial support, but you're anxious because you're not sure that Joe will come through.
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I guess you're anxious about being left without any financial support.
Correct Answer
A. You hope that you will have some financial support, but you're anxious because you're not sure that Joe will come through.Explanation
The client's statement indicates that she has mixed feelings about her estranged husband providing child support. On one hand, she hopes that he will provide financial support, but on the other hand, she expresses anxiety because she is unsure if he will actually follow through. The chosen response accurately reflects this mixed emotional state by acknowledging both her hope for support and her anxiety about the uncertainty of her husband's actions.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Client: (a widow talking about her son, and crying) I'm really glad my son is going away to college. Choose the best response that best reflects the client's feelings.
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You must be extremely proud of him. What college will he be attending?
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You're unhappy about his decision to go to college.
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You're happy about him going to college, but you'll be lonely without him.
Correct Answer
A. You're happy about him going to college, but you'll be lonely without him.Explanation
Response C. reflects the feeling as well as the emotion she is displaying.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Client: (fidgeting in his chair and wringing his hands) I'm glad I got to see you today. Choose the response that best reflects the client's feelings.
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You're pleased to be here, but you're somewhat anxious at the same time.
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I'm glad you were able to see me.
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You seem to be fairly anxious today.
Correct Answer
A. You're pleased to be here, but you're somewhat anxious at the same time.Explanation
Client is showing his anxiety by his nonverbal behavior while telling you that he is glad to see you.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Client:(smiling pleasantly) He doesn't know what the word share means. He believes that what's his is his and what's mine is his, too.Choose the best response that best reflect's the client's feelings.
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I'm puzzled, you're smiling, but you sound so resentful.
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And you don't agree with that I suppose.
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Because you are smiling, I get the feeling that his attitude doesn't bother you very much.
Correct Answer
A. I'm puzzled, you're smiling, but you sound so resentful.Explanation
The client is smiling while telling you of a situation he resents. By reflecting his verbal and nonverbal communication you are asking him to clarify for both of you what he is feeling.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Reflection of feeling can help a client who is finding it difficult to continue talking.Client: (was talking then became silent, started to fidget in her seat)
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Did you want to talk to me about something?
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You seem anxious about what it is you want to discuss with me.
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Tell the client you will continue to do your work, because you realize she must not have anything else to say.
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Start up a conversation with the client to break the silence.
Correct Answer
A. You seem anxious about what it is you want to discuss with me.Explanation
The correct answer is "You seem anxious about what it is you want to discuss with me." This response reflects the feeling of the client accurately, acknowledging their anxiety and showing empathy. It also encourages the client to open up and continue talking about their concerns.Rate this question:
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- 20.
These introductory phrases can provide some variation when talking to a client to reflect feelings: It seems.... You believe...... It sounds like..... In other words, you feel........ I gather that..... You really are....... In your own experience you will come across other introductory phrases..1. I'm fed up with my father he is always telling me what to do?
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You sound irritated (angry, hostile).
Explanation
The speaker's statement "I'm fed up with my father he is always telling me what to do?" suggests a feeling of frustration and annoyance towards their father's constant instructions. The use of the phrase "fed up" indicates a sense of being overwhelmed or irritated.Rate this question:
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- 21.
2. The future looks very good; I'm looking forward to it.
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You're really hopeful (optimistic, happy) about your future.
Explanation
The speaker expresses a positive outlook on the future and anticipates it with excitement. This indicates that they have a hopeful and optimistic attitude towards what lies ahead in their life.Rate this question:
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- 22.
How would you best describe the feeling expressed by the statement, "I can't stand those long lines in the bank"?
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Excitement
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Frustration
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Joy
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Surprise
Correct Answer
A. FrustrationExplanation
In the given statement, "I can't stand those long lines in the bank," the speaker is expressing a negative emotion about waiting in long lines at the bank. The phrase "can't stand" indicates a strong dislike or irritation, which is typically associated with frustration.Rate this question:
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- 23.
4. It's going to be great, I can't wait to get started.
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You sound excited (eager).
Explanation
The speaker expresses enthusiasm and anticipation for something, indicating that they are excited or eager about it.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Points to remember about reflecting feelings. WHEN IDENTIFYING FEELINGS
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Attend to the affect component of what the client says.
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Attend to the client's behavior (posture, voice tone, rate of delivery, and other mannerisms.
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Use a wide range of words to label emotions appropriately.
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Identify the full range of the client emotions.
Explanation
When reflecting feelings, it is important to pay attention to the emotional aspect of what the client is saying. This includes observing their behavior, such as their posture, voice tone, rate of delivery, and other mannerisms. It is also crucial to use a diverse range of words to accurately label the client's emotions and to identify the full spectrum of their emotional experience.Rate this question:
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- 25.
WHEN REFLECTING FEELINGS.
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Use an appropriate introductory phrase followed by a clear and concise summary of the feelings the client seems to be experiencing.
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Refect mixed emotions.
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Don't repeat the client's exact words.
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Focus on current feelings using the present tense.
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Use a wide range of introductory phrases.
Explanation
When reflecting feelings, it is important to use an appropriate introductory phrase to acknowledge the client's emotions. The summary should be clear and concise, capturing the range of feelings the client seems to be experiencing. It is not necessary to repeat the client's exact words, but instead, focus on the current feelings using the present tense. Using a wide range of introductory phrases helps to vary the reflection and make it more effective in conveying understanding and empathy.Rate this question:
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- 26.
REFLECTION OF FEELINGS
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Helps clients become aware of their feelings.
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Helps clients accept and explore their feelings.
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Helps you demonstrate that you understand how the client is experiencing the world.
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Helps develop a strong relationship between you and the client.
Explanation
Reflection of feelings is a technique that helps clients become aware of their emotions and accept and explore them. By reflecting the client's feelings back to them, it demonstrates understanding and empathy, showing that the therapist understands how the client is experiencing the world. This technique also helps in building a strong therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client, creating a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore their feelings.Rate this question:
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- 27.
REFLECTING FEELINGS
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In response to all types of emotion (positive, negative, or ambivalent)
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Regardless of the direction of the emotion (toward self or others)
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When the client has feelings towards you that may impede the process of you relationship
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When the client is having difficulty telling his or her story
Explanation
If you sense that there is a block in your communication with your client always address it. Suggestion on how to bring this up. I sense a distant between us, is there something I might have said or done that is may have caused this?
Cultural Considerations: It is important that you take culture in mind. In some culture restrains of feelings is valued, and as a result little or no response to the reflection of feelings is given.
Direct eye contact is avoided in some cultures. Be cautious when interpreting lack of eye contact.
There is evidence that facial expressions of emotions are not culturally bound. However, the client determines how and when facial expressions of emotions occur.Rate this question:
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Nov 09, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Aug 25, 2010Quiz Created by
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