What is defined as the rephrasing of the patient's significant words and thoughts?

The correct answer is paraphrase, which involves rephrasing the patient’s significant words and thoughts to ensure understanding and to validate the feelings or messages being expressed. This technique allows the clinician to mirror the patient's language, leading to clearer communication and showing the patient that their thoughts are being acknowledged.

Paraphrasing helps to confirm the clinician's understanding of the patient's sentiments and concerns, providing them with an opportunity to elaborate or clarify further if needed. It enhances the therapeutic relationship by demonstrating active listening and engaging with the patient's narrative.

While reflection also captures the essence of what a patient has said, it tends to focus more on emotional content rather than a straightforward restatement of the significant words. Summarization provides an overview of what has been discussed rather than an individual rephrasing of specific thoughts. Clarification seeks to ensure understanding or specify what the patient means but does not involve rephrasing their significant words. Thus, paraphrase is distinct in its intent and use within a therapeutic context.