Which of the following best defines the term 'paraphrasing' in counseling?

Paraphrasing in counseling is defined as expressing the essence of the client's message in different words. This technique allows the counselor to demonstrate understanding and empathy while encouraging the client to explore their thoughts and feelings further. When a counselor paraphrases, they take the original content of what the client has communicated and restate it in a way that captures the main ideas, often clarifying or condensing the information without losing its meaning.

This practice not only helps to validate the client's feelings and concerns but also provides an opportunity for the client to hear their thoughts articulated in a new way, which can promote deeper reflection and insight. Paraphrasing is different from simply summarizing, repeating, or redirecting; it is specifically about reformulating the client's expression while retaining its core message.