Development of Counseling Skills

Cutting off, Paraphrasing, Reflection

of Meaning, and Reflection of
Feeling

RB
 Cutting Off
 Purpose: Cutting off is used to help the client re-
focus their attention on an issue or to prompt the
client to make connections between topics discussed
in session.

 What do therapists do?

Therapists use verbal and/or non verbal skills to
either slow down or redirect the client’s discussion.

 When: When a client digresses from a subject or

topic of discussion. Therapists should exercise
caution when using this skill and weigh the costs and
benefits of interrupting the client’s train of thought.
 Examples of Cutting Off
 Sheryl, you’ve explained many things to me… How does
all this relate to the problem with your stepmother?
 I’m trying to understand the connection between these
issues and your fear of resigning.
 Frank, all these things seem to be really important to you.
I’m sitting here wondering what it is you would like for me
to focus on.
 My understanding is that what you are saying has a
underlying meaning related to your main concern, losing
the kids. How about you tell me what that meaning is.
 I’m going to stop you for a minute, Thelma, and try to get
us back on track.
 Let’s slow down for a second, Jay. I want to talk about
these concerns, but first finish telling me about the fight
you brought up in the beginning of our session.
 Paraphrasing
 Purpose: Paraphrasing communicates to the client
that the therapist is listening.

 What does the therapist do?

Therapists conveys the meaning, tone, feeling,
and/or the content of the client’s message by
repeating what the client has said in somewhat
different words.

 When: In connecting and building rapport with the

client, to follow along with what is being shared, and
to reflect what the client is expressing.
 Examples of Paraphrasing
 You have a lot on your plate, Cassie.
 Zachary started bugging you in gym, but
you got called out by your coach.
 You don’t know where to begin.
 I’m understanding that you are angry
because you feel like you don’t feel
accepted by the group.
 Emma, if I am hearing you correctly, you
are really frustrated with your step mother.
 Reflection of Meaning
 Purpose: Reflection of meaning tells the client that the
therapist hears and understands the deeper meaning
of their message. Usually this message is one that
gives direction to the client’s behavior, values, or their
beliefs.

 What do therapists do?

After listening to their story, the therapist directly
states what significant, core meaning the client
(sometimes indirectly) communicates.

 When: To get to the root of the message. Sometimes

the client is unaware of the message they are
communicating themselves.
 Examples of Reflection of
Meaning
 It’s important to you that your supervisor
recognize all your hard work.
 Your friends take advantage of you.
 It’s more important for you to feel in control
then it is to obey the school’s rules.
 You mean that if you don’t uphold this
image, your family will be dishonored in the
community.
 If you keep yourself busy enough, you don’t
think you’ll have time to worry about what
scares you.
 Reflection of Feeling
 Purpose: Reflection of feeling helps the therapist
communicate to the client that they hear and
understand the core feelings involved in the client’s
message.

 What does the therapist do?

The therapist emphasizes client’s significant
emotions using the same word or phrase equivalent
to the meaning.

 When: To connect empathically and bring the

emotional message to the forefront. Utilize as needed.
 Example of Reflection of
Feeling
 You were aggravated when he didn’t
think about your needs.
 After the disagreement, you were
discouraged.
 She challenges you and makes you
feel as if you aren’t smart enough.
 When you talk about this, it’s painful.
 You feel less pressured.