An example of a reflective statement to Alana would be:

• A. I don't think you are boring. You should think better of yourself.
• B. Being boring and giftless is OK.
• C. What do you mean by no purpose?
• D. What I hear you saying is that you think you are boring and have no gifts.

Answer: (D)

Reflective listening means restating or paraphrasing what the other person has just said to show you’ve heard them and to validate their feelings. In this scenario, the best statement mirrors Alana’s words and captures her self-view without adding judgments or trying to fix it right away. “What I hear you saying is that you think you are boring and have no gifts.” does exactly that: it reflects her message back to her in your own words and invites her to expand on it, confirming you’re listening and encouraging further conversation.

The other options miss that reflective stance. One challenges her self-view and offers advice, which can shut down sharing. Another simply says the feeling is okay, which can feel dismissive or minimize the struggle. The last option asks for clarification but doesn’t reflect or validate what she’s expressing about herself. In practice, use reflective phrases that restate the speaker’s message and mood to build trust and openness.