In OA(R)S, which technique corresponds to the R?

In OA(R)S, which technique corresponds to the R?

• A. Reflective Listening
• B. Open-ended questions
• C. Affirmations
• D. Summarizing

Answer: (A)

Reflective Listening is the R in OA(R)S. It means listening closely and then mirroring back what the person said, often naming the feeling behind it. This shows you understand and invites them to elaborate, which helps uncover underlying ambivalence and motivation for change. For example, if someone says they’re overwhelmed and worried about staying sober, you might respond, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to keep sobriety going.” This validates their experience and keeps the conversation flowing. The other techniques—open-ended questions, affirmations, and summarizing—have different roles: open-ended questions invite more information, affirmations acknowledge strengths or efforts, and summarizing recaps key points. Reflective listening specifically mirrors content and emotion to deepen understanding and engagement.

Reflective Listening is the R in OA(R)S. It means listening closely and then mirroring back what the person said, often naming the feeling behind it. This shows you understand and invites them to elaborate, which helps uncover underlying ambivalence and motivation for change. For example, if someone says they’re overwhelmed and worried about staying sober, you might respond, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to keep sobriety going.” This validates their experience and keeps the conversation flowing. The other techniques—open-ended questions, affirmations, and summarizing—have different roles: open-ended questions invite more information, affirmations acknowledge strengths or efforts, and summarizing recaps key points. Reflective listening specifically mirrors content and emotion to deepen understanding and engagement.