ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that working with the client on content using basic responding skills. Minimal encourages allow clients the time and conditions to continue exploring the story and to delve into a topic more intensely or in greater detail. They allow the counselor to gain a better understanding of the client’s point of view. The counselor uses minimal encouragers when he wants to give the client time to tell the story and when the client is willing to talk. Responding to content is a basic way to negotiate meaning with the client and convey empathy. Restatements use the client’s words to reflect content. They are like short-phrase minimal encouragers but move one step beyond them by repeating more of what the client has said. The counselor expresses her understanding of the client’s story. The counselor attempts to reflect back content that was actually provided by the client, usually focusing on an important aspect or significant idea.
