In the context of Mental Health First Aid, what does 'paraphrasing' achieve beyond simply repeating what someone said?

In Mental Health First Aid, paraphrasing goes beyond merely repeating someone's words. It involves restating their message in your own words, which achieves several important goals. First, it confirms understanding. By paraphrasing, you're checking that you've accurately grasped the content and emotional tone of what the person is communicating. If you've misunderstood, the person has an opportunity to clarify. Second, it demonstrates active listening. Paraphrasing shows the person that you're paying attention and genuinely trying to understand their perspective. This builds trust and rapport, making them feel heard and validated. Third, it helps to clarify the person's thoughts. By hearing their message reflected back in a different way, the person may gain new insights into their own feelings and experiences. The act of paraphrasing can help them organize their thoughts and identify key issues. Fourth, it promotes emotional processing. When you paraphrase, you're not just repeating facts; you're also acknowledging the emotions behind the words. This helps the person feel understood and supported, which can facilitate emotional processing and reduce feelings of isolation. For example, if someone says, 'I feel overwhelmed because I have so many responsibilities at work and at home,' paraphrasing might sound like, 'So, it sounds like you're carrying a very heavy load right now, both at work and at home, and that's leaving you feeling really overwhelmed.' This demonstrates understanding and validates their experience, going beyond simply repeating their words.