Final answer:
The first step in summarizing a client's words during motivational interviewing is to confirm understanding, which is option 'b.' It's essential to build a rapport and avoid projecting authority, using narrative and reporting techniques to reflect on the client's experiences and overlooked aspects.
Step-by-step explanation:
When summarizing what the client has said in motivational interviewing, the appropriate response is to first ensure that you're understanding the client correctly. Therefore, the correct option from the ones provided would be: "Let me check in to ensure I am understanding what I’m hearing so far." This approach aligns with the principles of motivational interviewing, which emphasize active listening and reflecting to validate the client's feelings and perspectives before moving forward. It's crucial to avoid projecting a sense of authority or making the conversation polarized, as this can hinder the development of a constructive dialogue.
Techniques like narrative or storytelling, as well as reporting, can be utilized offering background information and demonstrating credibility, by including brief statements about your credentials, experience, and knowledge. Such approaches help to build rapport and encourage more open and honest communication between the interviewer and the client.
In summary, when you have gathered sufficient information, a summary should be written of what the client has shared, paired with reflections on the significance of the client's experiences and advice. This step often entails responding to questions, identifying overlooked aspects, or explaining complex ideas in more relatable terms.