In the context of mental health, what does the term 'reflective listening' refer to?

Reflective listening is a communication technique that involves restating or paraphrasing what a client has expressed, particularly their feelings and thoughts. This method encourages deeper understanding and validation of the client’s experience. By reflecting back what the client has shared, the support specialist not only demonstrates empathy but also helps the client to feel heard and understood. This technique can facilitate further exploration of the client’s feelings and thoughts, fostering a stronger therapeutic relationship.

The focus in reflective listening is on the client’s perspective rather than the counselor’s personal experiences or attempts to solve problems directly. By avoiding these approaches, the practitioner allows the conversation to center on the client's narrative, which is vital in a mental health context for promoting self-awareness and growth.