Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What is the primary focus of using paraphrasing in client interactions?

1. To interrogate the client

2. To reflect the client's words back for clarity

3. To dismiss the client’s feelings

4. To redirect the conversation

The correct answer is: To reflect the client's words back for clarity

Paraphrasing in client interactions serves the primary purpose of reflecting the client's words back for clarity. This technique demonstrates active listening and allows the client to hear their own thoughts articulated in a slightly different way, which can lead to deeper understanding and insights. By restating what the client has expressed, the counselor can help ensure that the client's message has been accurately understood, while also providing the client an opportunity to confirm, elaborate, or correct any misunderstandings. This fosters a therapeutic alliance and enhances the client's sense of being heard and valued in the session. The other options highlight approaches that do not align with the constructive nature of paraphrasing. For instance, interrogating the client could create a hostile environment, while dismissing feelings would not support a safe space for open dialogue. Redirecting the conversation might obstruct the client's processing of their own thoughts and feelings, which is not the focus of effective counseling practices like paraphrasing. Thus, reincorporating the original thoughts in a paraphrased manner directly aligns with improving communication and therapeutic engagement.