A client says exercise feels like another demand in an exhausting week. Which response best demonstrates active listening?
- AReflect the sense of exhaustion and invite the client to say more
- BReassure the client that regular exercise will soon raise their energy
- CSuggest shorter sessions this week so exercise fits the schedule
- DShare how you handled a similarly demanding period in your own life
Show answer and explanations
Answer
A
Active listening starts by reflecting what the client said and felt, then inviting elaboration. This checks understanding and lets the client explain the concern before any advice or solution is offered.
B
Reassurance offered this early skips over the client's experience and can feel dismissive, even when well meant.
C
Shorter sessions may help later, but proposing a fix before understanding the concern is problem-solving, not listening.
D
Self-disclosure shifts the focus to the trainer at the moment the client is describing their own experience.
A
Active listening starts by reflecting what the client said and felt, then inviting elaboration. This checks understanding and lets the client explain the concern before any advice or solution is offered.