Question

What is paraphrasing in the counselling process? Explain with examples.

Answer 1

Paraphrasing is a counselling skill in which the counsellor repeats the main idea of the client’s message in different words without changing its meaning. It shows that the counsellor is listening carefully and has understood the client correctly.

1. Purpose: It helps to clarify the client’s thoughts and encourages further communication.
2. Shows understanding: It makes the client feel heard and understood.
3. Avoids repetition: The counsellor does not copy the exact words but expresses the same meaning in a simple way.

Examples:

• Client: “I study a lot, but I still feel I will fail.”
  Counsellor: “You are working hard, but you are still worried about your performance.”
• Client: “Nobody at home understands me.”
  Counsellor: “You feel that your family is not able to understand your feelings.”

Thus, paraphrasing improves clarity, trust and communication in counselling.