Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

When a client expresses frustration about an outcome, and the counselor reflects this back as "You feel angry and powerless," this technique is known as:

1. Summarization

2. Encourager

3. Paraphrase

4. Reflection of feeling

The correct answer is: Paraphrase

The technique described, where the counselor captures and mirrors the client's emotional state by stating, "You feel angry and powerless," is known as reflection of feeling. This method acknowledges and validates the client's emotions, creating a space for the client to explore those feelings more deeply. By articulating the client's emotional response, the counselor helps to clarify the client's experiences and fosters a stronger therapeutic alliance. In contrast, summarization condenses the client's broader discussion into a concise overview, which is different from focusing on specific emotions. An encourager serves to motivate or affirm the client without necessarily addressing their emotional state. Paraphrasing involves restating the client's message in one's own words, but it may not always capture the emotional nuance present in the reflection of feeling. Therefore, reflecting emotions is essential in helping clients feel heard and understood, making it a powerful therapeutic tool.