Reflections

Two  people discussing in office lounge.

Reflections are the most used skill within MI. Reflections are enacted by rephrasing what a person has told you they think and feel and then stating this information this back to them.  Using reflections helps a person feel heard, understood, validated, and builds trust.

There are many types of reflections you can use to support someone in making a behavior change. These are outlined in the chart below.

Type of ReflectionDefinitionExample
SimpleContains little to no information beyond what the person stated“You have not yet gotten the vaccine yet.”
ComplexAdds more information to what was shared; can be a guess as to what the person may have meant“You feel pressure to get vaccinated, but you are still unsure and afraid.”
MetaphorA word or phrase comparing one object or action to another“Seeing the rates of hospitalization really lit a fire under you to consider getting the shot.”
ReframingPuts what a person just said into a different perspective“You are trying to make the decision you feel most comfortable with.”
ContinuingOffering what the person might be inclined to say next“You might feel more comfortable in public if you get the vaccine.”
Double-sidedSharing both sides of the person’s argument, feelings, thoughts“On one hand you are afraid to get the vaccine because of its side effects, but on the other hand you do believe it will keep you out of the hospital if you get COVID.”
UndershootingUnderestimates the intensity or emotion of what was expressed“You’re just unsure about what to do.”
AmplifiedReflects back what was said at a greater intensity than was expressed“This is causing major turmoil in your life.”
Adapted from Clifford & Curtis, 2016

Try to use reflections to clarify what is said and to understand how to best help someone move forward. Effective reflections should come from genuine curiosity, and you must be willing to listen with an open mind. Avoid adding your thoughts; people may become defensive if they hear your opinions or judgments.

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