Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What type of response is used to clarify and summarize key points from a client interaction in therapy?

1. Encapsulation

2. Summarization

3. Valuation

4. Observation

The correct answer is: Summarization

Summarization is a crucial therapeutic response that serves to clarify and distill the key points of a client interaction. This technique involves the counselor reflecting back the main themes, feelings, and insights shared by the client, creating a condensed overview of the conversation. By doing so, it helps in reinforcing understanding and ensuring that both the counselor and the client are on the same page regarding the discussion's critical aspects. Moreover, summarization can aid in transition points within therapy, allowing clients to reflect on what has been discussed and consider how those themes relate to their broader goals in therapy. This process not only validates the client’s experiences but also enhances the therapeutic alliance by demonstrating active listening and engagement from the counselor. Ultimately, this technique fosters clarity in communication and aids in the progress of sessions.