What is reflective listening?

Reflective listening involves attentively listening to what another person is saying and then verbalizing that message back to them in your own words. This technique demonstrates that you have understood their message and can help the speaker feel heard and validated. By rephrasing their words, you not only confirm that you are actively engaged in the conversation but also allow the speaker an opportunity to clarify or expand on their thoughts if necessary. This method is particularly effective in building rapport and trust, especially when working with youth, as it encourages open communication and emotional expression.

The other options do not embody the principles of reflective listening. Asking questions to clarify can be helpful in conversations but does not necessarily show that you are reflecting back what was shared. Providing immediate solutions bypasses the essential aspect of understanding the speaker's feelings and concerns beforehand. Ignoring expressed feelings contradicts the very purpose of active listening, which is to engage empathetically with the speaker's emotions.