What is a likely effect of practicing summarizing during counseling sessions?

Practicing summarizing during counseling sessions is likely to lead to the clarification of client thoughts and feelings. When a counselor effectively summarizes what the client has shared throughout the session, it allows the client to hear their own words reflected back to them. This process can illuminate patterns in their thinking and emotional responses, helping the client to better understand their experiences and the issues they are working through.

Summarizing also encourages clients to recognize connections between different aspects of their narration, which can enhance their self-reflection and insight. Overall, this technique fosters a clearer dialogue between the counselor and client, making it easier for the client to articulate their feelings and thoughts. This, in turn, provides a stronger foundation for identifying goals and developing actionable steps in treatment.