“Kind words are worth much and cost little.” – This proverb reflects the importance of communication in life. But did you know that in communication, listening is even more important than speaking? Especially in the field of counseling, listening skills are the key to reaching the hearts and minds of those who need help.
Listening in Counseling: It’s Not Just Hearing, It’s Understanding!
Grasping the True Meaning of Listening
Many people think that listening is simply being silent and letting others talk. However, in counseling, listening is an art. It requires high concentration, empathy, and the ability to put yourself in the other person’s shoes.
Mr. Nguyen Van A, a psychology expert, once said: “Listening in counseling is not just listening with your ears, but also listening with your heart. You need to feel what the other person is trying to convey, both the direct words and the things hidden in their mind.”
Effective “Listening Ear” Tips in Counseling
To improve your effective listening skills, you need to apply the following techniques:
- Focus completely: When someone is talking, eliminate all surrounding noises and focus 100% on their words. Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to fully grasp the message.
- Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking closed-ended questions that can only be answered with “yes” or “no,” use open-ended questions to encourage the other person to share more. For example, instead of asking “Are you having a problem?”, ask “Could you share with me the difficulties you are facing?”.
- Empathize and reflect: Show empathy for the other person’s feelings with phrases like “I understand how you feel,” “I see you’re very sad,” or “I know this is a difficult time for you.” At the same time, reflect back what you have heard to ensure you have understood correctly.
- Control personal emotions: During the listening process, try to keep your mood calm and not let personal emotions dominate the reception of information. Remember, your goal is to understand the other person, not to argue or give advice.
Applying Listening Skills in Counseling – A True Story
One of the stories that I remember most about the importance of listening in counseling is about a 12th-grade student named N. N faced a lot of pressure in studying and taking university entrance exams. She was often worried, stressed, and felt hopeless.
I spent time listening to N share her thoughts and feelings. I tried to understand the difficulties and pressures she was facing. I empathized with N and helped her see the problem more positively.
After that, I gave advice appropriate to N’s situation, helping her gain more motivation and confidence to overcome challenges.
As a result, N passed the entrance exam to her dream university and was very grateful that I took the time to listen and understand her.
Listening: The Door to Expanding Love
There is an old saying: “Listening is a precious skill because it helps you connect with others, understand their thoughts and feelings, and build good relationships.”
In spirituality, listening is also an expression of love and respect. When you take the time to listen to others, you are showing that you care about them and want to understand them.
Suggestions for you:
- You can learn more about effective communication skills on the SOFT SKILLS website.
- Please refer to more articles on apology skills, parenting skills, or self-defense skills to improve your life skills.
- Contact us via phone number 0372666666 for more detailed advice on soft skills training courses!
Remember that listening is a skill that needs to be practiced regularly. Take the time to listen to those around you, and you will discover wonderful things in communication and life.