Development of Counseling Skills
Cutting off, Paraphrasing, Reflection
of Meaning, and Reflection of
Feeling
RB
Cutting Off

Purpose: Cutting off is used to help the client
re-focus their attention on an issue or to prompt
the client to make connections between topics
discussed in session.

What do therapists do?
Therapists use verbal and/or non verbal skills to
either slow down or redirect the client’s
discussion.

When: When a client digresses from a subject
or topic of discussion. Therapists should
exercise caution when using this skill and weigh
the costs and benefits of interrupting the client’s
train of thought.
Examples of Cutting Off






Sheryl, you’ve explained many things to me… How does
all this relate to the problem with your stepmother?
I’m trying to understand the connection between these
issues and your fear of resigning.
Frank, all these things seem to be really important to you.
I’m sitting here wondering what it is you would like for me
to focus on.
My understanding is that what you are saying has a
underlying meaning related to your main concern, losing
the kids. How about you tell me what that meaning is.
I’m going to stop you for a minute, Thelma, and try to get
us back on track.
Let’s slow down for a second, Jay. I want to talk about
these concerns, but first finish telling me about the fight
you brought up in the beginning of our session.
Paraphrasing

Purpose: Paraphrasing communicates to the
client that the therapist is listening.

What does the therapist do?
Therapists conveys the meaning, tone, feeling,
and/or the content of the client’s message by
repeating what the client has said in somewhat
different words.

When: In connecting and building rapport with
the client, to follow along with what is being
shared, and to reflect what the client is
expressing.
Examples of Paraphrasing





You have a lot on your plate, Cassie.
Zachary started bugging you in gym, but
you got called out by your coach.
You don’t know where to begin.
I’m understanding that you are angry
because you feel like you don’t feel
accepted by the group.
Emma, if I am hearing you correctly, you
are really frustrated with your step mother.
Reflection of Meaning

Purpose: Reflection of meaning tells the client
that the therapist hears and understands the
deeper meaning of their message. Usually this
message is one that gives direction to the
client’s behavior, values, or their beliefs.

What do therapists do?
After listening to their story, the therapist
directly states what significant, core meaning
the client (sometimes indirectly) communicates.

When: To get to the root of the message.
Sometimes the client is unaware of the
message they are communicating themselves.
Examples of Reflection of
Meaning





It’s important to you that your supervisor
recognize all your hard work.
Your friends take advantage of you.
It’s more important for you to feel in control
then it is to obey the school’s rules.
You mean that if you don’t uphold this
image, your family will be dishonored in the
community.
If you keep yourself busy enough, you don’t
think you’ll have time to worry about what
scares you.
Reflection of Feeling

Purpose: Reflection of feeling helps the
therapist communicate to the client that they
hear and understand the core feelings involved
in the client’s message.

What does the therapist do?
The therapist emphasizes client’s significant
emotions using the same word or phrase
equivalent to the meaning.

When: To connect empathically and bring the
emotional message to the forefront. Utilize as
needed.
Example of Reflection of
Feeling
You were aggravated when he didn’t
think about your needs.
 After the disagreement, you were
discouraged.
 She challenges you and makes you
feel as if you aren’t smart enough.
 When you talk about this, it’s painful.
 You feel less pressured.
