Reflective listening has been found to be effective in a therapeutic setting. Subjects receiving reflective listening from a counselor have reported better therapeutic relationship and more disclosure of feelings.[5]
Cognitive content is one of the two main options that a counselor has for reflecting the client's previous communication in the counseling session.[citation needed] This form deals with people, places, problems, situations, and things.[citation needed] Cognitive content can play a role in help with problem solving.[citation needed] Incorporating cognitive content in problem solving makes it easier for clients to identify and work through issues. If neither the counselor nor the client can identify a problem that the client has, there is no need to problem solve and there is no need for counseling. Similar to problem solving where one initially identifies the quandary, counseling calls for identification of the fundamental issue in order to successfully change the client's behaviors or thought patterns.[6]