Listening Skills & Counselling

Problems with communication is a common reason people seek counseling. The counselor is in a unique position to model and teach clients the value of effective listening. Being a thoughtful listener and strong communicator are critical components for a successful counselor. Clients who decide to carefully listen during counseling can emerge with new skills to help with conflict resolution and problem solving.

Benefits

• Being actively engaged in counseling will help maximize the client's treatment benefits.

  Counseling sessions are a safe place to learn and practice listening techniques. According to The Counsellor's Guide, "Active listening and responding appropriately are two of the key skills a counselor or therapist must apply during one-to-one counseling sessions with a client." Clients can use this time to ask questions to gain an understanding of their own communication deficits.

Active Listening

• Counseling sessions offer an environment where new listening techniques can be practiced.

  Clients should actively participate in counseling sessions. It is important for the process that the counselor has the client's full attention. Looking directly at the counselor signals client involvement in the session. The client's body language also indicates she is listening. Clients can ask for clarification to ensure their interpretations about what is being said are accurate.

Reflective Statements

• Reflective listening techniques implemented in counseling help strengthen all relationships.

  Reflective listening means that a person hears what is said and can accurately explain the speaker's thoughts and feelings. It is a key element in listening skills and can be done in counseling sessions by both the counselor and client. The Counseling Deparment at Northern Kentucky University explains that reflective statements "are not the same as agreements; rather, they are a way of demonstrating that you intend to hear and understand another's point of view."

Positive Consequences

• Attentive listening helps clients gain insights about their behaviors.

  When clients and counselors both engage in active listening during counseling sessions there are positive consequences for both. If clients feel they are being heard they are more apt to be honest and talk openly about the issues that brought them to counseling. When clients are actively participating in therapy, counselors can gain the information they need to offer insights and feedback to help clients solve their identified problems.

Considerations

• The listening techniques learned in counseling are applicable in all relationships.

  Listening in an open, nonjudgemental manner facilitates honesty between the counselor and client, which creates an atmosphere of mutual trust, healing, and growth. Participation in counseling sessions requires a sense of commitment from all involved parties. Watching and working with a skilled counselor can be a rewarding experience for a client who is open to listening and learning. The lessons learned through counseling can last a lifetime, bringing a new quality of life and more meaning to the client's relationships.