Which description best defines reflective listening?

• A. Asking clarifying questions only
• B. Providing direct advice without acknowledging feelings
• C. Summarizing information without considering feelings
• D. Mirroring back the speaker’s feelings to show empathy

Answer: (D)

Reflective listening focuses on recognizing and communicating the speaker’s emotions. By mirroring back how the person feels, you validate their experience and show genuine empathy, which helps the speaker feel understood and encourages them to share more. That empathetic mirroring is what makes it distinct: you acknowledge feelings, not just restate facts. Other approaches center on content, give advice, or summarize without addressing emotions, which can leave the speaker feeling unheard. So mirroring the speaker’s feelings to demonstrate empathy best captures reflective listening.