In OAR(S), which technique does S stand for?

In OAR(S), which technique does S stand for?

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

Answer: (A)

Summarizing is the S in OARS. It means pulling together the main points the client has shared—including what they said they want to change, key ideas, and any proposed next steps—and restating them briefly to confirm understanding. This wraps up the discussion with a clear picture of where things stand and what will happen next, which helps the client feel heard and moves the conversation toward action. Open-ended questions invite the client to talk and explore possibilities; affirmations recognize strengths and effort; reflective listening shows you understand by echoing what the client has said and the feelings behind it. Summarizing uniquely consolidates those pieces into a concise, shared takeaway and plan.

Summarizing is the S in OARS. It means pulling together the main points the client has shared—including what they said they want to change, key ideas, and any proposed next steps—and restating them briefly to confirm understanding. This wraps up the discussion with a clear picture of where things stand and what will happen next, which helps the client feel heard and moves the conversation toward action.

Open-ended questions invite the client to talk and explore possibilities; affirmations recognize strengths and effort; reflective listening shows you understand by echoing what the client has said and the feelings behind it. Summarizing uniquely consolidates those pieces into a concise, shared takeaway and plan.