Accurate Responding allows the counsellor to confirm with the client that they are being heard correctly. Noting and reflecting are used to bring out underlying feelings.

When are they used?

Responding is useful throughout all stages of a counselling interview. It helps the counsellor to clarify and encourage clients’ stories. This is also a great skill to teach clients when responding to each other in mediation.

Noting and reflecting can assist in adding the emotional dimension to the client’s story, so is often used in the interview stages of gathering information and exploring alternatives. Another great skill to teach clients in the process.

Examples

Responding: “Let me see if I’ve got this right. You want to go back to full time study but are worried about your financial commitments?”

Noting and reflecting: “You feel disappointed because your mother didn’t call you on your birthday.”