Final answer:
Paraphrasing demonstrates to a client that the helper has fully understood their concerns in a non-judgmental manner, which is essential for establishing trust and effective communication in the client-helper relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
​Paraphrasing is significant because it confirms for the client that the helper is actively engaged and has indeed understood their concerns in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner. While it also indicates that the helper has been listening, the primary purpose of paraphrasing is to show that the helper has grasped the client's ideas and emotions accurately and can reflect them back in their own words. This process is valuable in both academic writing, where one may wish to clarify complex ideas maintaining the perspective of the original source, and in fields like counseling, where verbalizing understanding can strengthen the client-helper relationship.
As a tutoring approach, paraphrasing ensures that the student feels understood and supported, while also maintaining the integrity of the original information shared. It is key to establish this understanding before moving on to potential strategies to help solve the problem, but the act of paraphrasing itself doesn't imply that the helper has solutions ready.
Being able to effectively paraphrase is a crucial communication skill that is helpful beyond academic writing -- it is invaluable in fostering clear understanding and rapport in any client-focused interaction.