Which of the following is an example of a reflective statement?

• A. What I hear you saying is that you think you are boring and have no gifts.
• B. I can remember a time when I felt no purpose and was able to get support to realize my potential.
• C. I understand.
• D. That's helpful; go on.

Answer: (A)

Reflective statements restate what the speaker has said in a way that captures both the content and the feelings behind it, showing you are truly listening and helping the person feel understood. The example uses a lead that mirrors the client’s message: “What I hear you saying is…” and then paraphrases the belief about themselves—thinking they are boring and have no gifts. This directly reflects the person’s experience and invites them to clarify or explore those feelings further, which is the core purpose of reflective listening in peer support.

The other options don’t fit reflective listening as well. Personal self-disclosure shares the listener’s own experience, not the speaker’s message. A simple acknowledgment like “I understand” is supportive but doesn’t restate the speaker’s exact words or feelings. A statement like “That’s helpful; go on” is a prompt to continue, not a restatement of what was said.