What does the communication technique of reflection involve?

The communication technique of reflection involves responding with empathy, which means that the listener acknowledges and validates the speaker's feelings and emotions. It goes beyond simply repeating what the speaker has said; reflection encourages a deeper understanding of the speaker’s emotional state and demonstrates that the listener is engaged and caring.

In practice, when a listener engages in reflection, they may paraphrase or summarize what has been said while also expressing understanding of the emotions underlying the message. This approach fosters a supportive environment, allowing individuals to feel heard and valued, which is crucial in healthcare settings where emotional well-being plays an important role in overall health.

Other techniques, such as restating the speaker's words, asking questions, or using body language, can also be valuable aspects of communication, but they don’t encompass the full essence of reflection. While restating involves mirroring the speaker’s words, it may not convey empathy. Asking questions is aimed at gaining further clarification, and body language supports communication but does not directly address emotional understanding. Thus, responding with empathy truly captures the heart of what reflection entails.