You are using motivational interviewing with your new client. As your client is telling you his story, you are using comments such as "This is what I am hearing . . ." or "What I understand you to say . . ." as a way to get a better understanding of your client's perception of his situation. Which core skill of motivational interviewing does this best represent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reflective listening is the skill of listening closely to what the client is saying and then reflecting back the essence of what was said. This helps the client feel heard and understood and encourages further exploration of their thoughts and feelings. Using phrases such as "This is what I am hearing . . ." or "What I understand you to say . . ." are examples of reflective listening.

You Are Using Motivational Interviewing with Your New Client