Provide an example of reflective listening in a coaching session.

• A. Paraphrase client's statement to confirm understanding and validate feelings, e.g., "It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by managing your diet and work schedule."
• B. Interrupt the client to confirm details.
• C. Provide unsolicited reassurance without reflecting feelings.
• D. Ask leading questions to steer behavior.

Answer: (A)

Reflective listening is about hearing what the client is saying and feeding it back in your own words to show you understood, while also naming the emotion behind it. The example does this by paraphrasing the client’s concern and acknowledging the feeling of being overwhelmed, which confirms to the client that you’re truly listening and invites them to explore more. This approach builds trust, validates their experience, and helps uncover what matters to them, making it easier for them to open up and continue the conversation. Interruption stops the client mid-thought, reassurance without reflecting feelings misses what they’re actually feeling, and leading questions push them toward a direction rather than letting them articulate their own perspective. Reflective listening gently mirrors both content and feeling, fostering deeper dialogue and insight.