Question

what are the goal or outcome when using paraphrasing in therapy and give an example.

Answer 1

• Paraphrasing is an extremely essential part of a therapy session.It occurs when a counselor or psychologist states what the client has said during the session,using fewer words but without changing the meaning about whatever the client has told.The goal is simple,it helps to develop trust between client and therapist,that the therapist has been able to understand and paid attention to their problem.
• Another goal is to confirm what the client has said.By using different words,and paraphrasing what the client has said,a counselor confirms that he is on the same level of understanding as the client.That he has been able to understand the client correctly.It also helps to clarify any confusing content.
• Another goal is to highlight issues by them stating them more precislely and concisely,to develop a deeper understanding about the exact problem.
• It also helps to check the accuracy of the perceptions of the counselor,that how clearly they have understood the client's problem.
• For example,Client-I don't know about him. One moment he's very friendly towards me, and the next moment he becomes completely ignorant.
• Counselor-So you haven't experienced your friend as being very consistent