Which therapeutic communication technique involves seeking clarification to ensure understanding?

• A. Facilitation
• B. Reflection
• C. Clarification
• D. Empathy

Answer: (C)

Seeking clarification is a therapeutic communication technique used to confirm you understand what the client is saying. It involves asking questions, restating, or requesting examples when meaning isn’t clear, which helps prevent misinterpretation and shows you’re dedicated to accurate understanding.

In practice, you might say, “Can you tell me what you mean by that?” or “Did you mean X when you said Y?” This keeps the conversation precise and ensures both sides share the same understanding.

Facilitation keeps the dialogue flowing and invites more talk, without specifically clarifying a point. Reflection focuses on restating the client’s words or feelings to show understanding and encourage deeper exploration. Empathy conveys that you understand and share in the client’s emotional experience. Each technique serves a different purpose, but clarification is the one centered on making sure the message is understood.