Shrinkle #42 · Relationships · 6 letters
Mirroring
Mirroring is when one person reflects back another's feelings, expressions or words, helping them feel seen. Caregivers do it naturally with babies, and it helps children learn to understand their own emotions.
In the room
A therapist might echo a client's tone or reflect back what they seem to be feeling, so the client can recognise and name the emotion themselves.
Something a client might say
“When she smiled back and said I looked proud, I finally felt seen.”
An illustrative line, not a real client.
Online vs in the room
Online, 'mirroring' is often described as a manipulation trick or a secret sign that someone likes you. In therapy it usually means warmly reflecting someone's feelings back so they feel understood.
Related ideas
Attunement · Reflective listening · Empathy
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