NBHWC - National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Active Listening and Reflection Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client says, "I'm so frustrated.
I managed to stick to my meal plan all week, but then I went to a party on Saturday and completely blew it.
I feel like a total failure." Which response is the best example of a complex reflection?

Accepted Answer

"It sounds like you're feeling discouraged because the progress you made feels undone by one event, and you're being really hard on yourself."

Answer

"So you feel like a failure because you didn't stick to your plan at the party."

Answer

"Don't worry about it, one party won't ruin your progress. What's one thing you can do differently next time?"

Answer

"You went to a party and ate off your plan."

Question 2

In the context of active listening, what is the primary purpose of summarizing?

Accepted Answer

To collect key pieces of information and link them together, reinforcing the client's own statements about change.

Answer

To prove to the client that the coach has been paying attention.

Answer

To transition the conversation to a new topic the coach wants to discuss.

Answer

To offer the coach's interpretation of the client's situation.

Question 3

A coach is listening to a client describe their challenges with managing stress. Which of the following coaching actions best demonstrates active listening?

Accepted Answer

Noticing the client's tone of voice, pace of speech, and body language while they share their story.

Answer

Interjecting with suggestions for stress-management techniques as the client is talking.

Answer

Silently formulating the next question to ask while the client is speaking.

Answer

Relating the client's story to a similar experience the coach had in the past.

Question 4

Client: "I know I need to quit smoking. My doctor told me it's critical for my health, but I just enjoy the ritual of a cigarette with my morning coffee." Which of the following is an example of a double-sided reflection?

Accepted Answer

"So, on the one hand, you recognize the serious health reasons to quit, and on the other hand, the morning ritual is a source of enjoyment you're not ready to give up."

Answer

"It sounds like you're feeling a lot of pressure from your doctor to quit."

Answer

"Quitting smoking is very difficult. What's the hardest part for you?"

Answer

"You enjoy having a cigarette with your coffee in the morning."

Question 5

What is the primary risk of a coach overusing simple reflections or "parroting"?

Accepted Answer

The client may feel unheard or that the coach is not truly understanding them.

Answer

The coach may misinterpret the client's core message.

Answer

The session may move forward too quickly into action planning.

Answer

The client may become overly dependent on the coach for answers.

Question 6

Which of the following is a key goal of using reflective listening in a health coaching session?

Accepted Answer

To create a space where the client feels safe to explore their own thoughts and motivations.

Answer

To guide the client toward a specific goal that the coach believes is best.

Answer

To demonstrate the coach's expertise in health and wellness.

Answer

To quickly identify and solve the client's stated problem.