Reflection is restating what the client is expressing in session. It can take many forms, such as reflection of content, feeling, or meaning. Reflection is sometimes called paraphrasing. Reflection is a powerful tool to help clients feel heard, help them make sense of their experiences, promote insight, and encourage further exploration.
In this example, the client is trying to process an incident with her sister. The unskillful counselor is using reflections that seem to miss the mark, leaving the client feeling confused. The skillful counselor uses reflections to help the client clarify feelings and ensure she is feeling understood.