This clinical skill consists of offering a different perspective on a situation the client is facing.

• A. Reframing
• B. Attending
• C. Simplifying
• D. Summarizing

Answer: (A)

Reframing is about offering a different perspective on a situation the client is facing. In counseling, this means helping the person see their experience in a new light, which can alter how they interpret what’s happening, what it means about them, and what actions are available. By shifting the meaning—from a setback to a learning opportunity, for example—reframing can reduce distress and open up possibilities for change.

Attending is about being present and listening with empathy, conveying support through your attention and warmth. It doesn’t change how the client views their situation; it builds a trusting connection. Simplifying involves clarifying or breaking down what’s happening so it’s easier to understand, but it stops short of changing the client’s interpretation or meaning. Summarizing reflects back what the client has said to ensure understanding and to validate content, again without offering a new lens on the situation.

Reframing fits the description because it directly introduces an alternative lens for interpreting the event, prompting the client to consider different meanings, implications, or paths forward. For example, if a client feels stuck after a job setback, reframing might help them see this as a chance to explore new careers, develop new skills, or reassess priorities, rather than a reflection of failure. This collaborative shift in perspective often facilitates motivation, resilience, and proactive problem-solving, while still honoring the client’s feelings and autonomy.