Empathic reflections: a simple magic
One of the most basic skills in the textbook just happens to be one of the most effective ones too. We all know how to reflect back what someone is saying to us, but can we do it in a way that guides understanding and deepening of the therapy process?
The main components of empathic reflection are:
1) Reflect the main content, emotion or meaning from the clients statement*
2) Adopt words used by the client
3) Use a curious, tentative tone of voice or portray curiousity and humility in your words
4) Do not: doubt, solve, comfort, or try to make your client calm down.
In this practice unit you will start with simple reflections. When you feel comfortable and confident with them, ask your trainer to give you more challenging statements, and see how well you do. Below the practice block, is some more content for more advanced use of Empathic Reflections.
*Find a model performance
When performing deliberate practice, one useful component of learning is observing a model of ideal performance. Empathic reflections can be used to strengthen the therapeutic relationship and show you client you are listening. Reflections can also be used to deepen emotion, guide a conversation or confront your client with a specific fact or feeling they mentioned. Making the correct choice of what to reflect involves practicing not only reflecting, but reflecting with a goal in mind. To deepen your learning, start by watching the performance of legendary therapist Carl Rodgers, often considered the father of humanistic therapy. following the video, choose a goal, such as deepening emotion, or confronting the client with a part of the statement, and then approach the trainer again with renewed insight and a more complex task.