Effective Listening Strategies
Amanda Swift
BSHS 385
June 15, 2015
Linda Cook
Effective Listening Strategies
Listening is often defined as giving appropriate attention and taking notice of what someone is saying and responding. Listening skills can be an effective way for the provider to enhance communication with the client. Listening benefits the speaker by allowing them to think reflectively about their own lives and gain insight into their situation in order to take an active role and responsibility for their own care.
Listening is described as the oldest and most influential tool of the healing process, according to Browning and Waite, (2010). This article shows how listening can be an effective tool in the treatment and care of the client, as well as building positive relationships. Providers who are preoccupied with their own responsibilities while trying to assess and respond to the client create a barrier for both of them. The ability to be completely present and open-minded is rarely an easy one. However, by listening effectively to the client, the provider can learn valuable information about the client. These resources are often buried within the client’s responses to questions asked by the provider. The provider has the opportunity to empower the client to use their voice in both decisions and acknowledgement of their troubles. Empowerment is an essential skill to promote healing and goal achievement.
The added benefits of listening can be central to enhanced communication, according to Helms & Haynes, 1992. Listening strategies fall into three categories: information seeking, evaluation, and response. Positive listening is augmented by physical mannerisms such as eye contact, nodding, and body language. These mannerisms are a key quality to communication. They allow the client to understand that the provider is truly listening and engaged. Another important factor is to remember that listening is a function that must be constantly...