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Reflective listening

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Reflective listening is a communication strategy involving two key steps: first, seeking to understand a speaker's idea, then, offering the idea back to the speaker to confirm the idea has been understood correctly.[1] Reflective listening is a more specific strategy than the more general methods of active listening.

Form of empathy

Reflective listening arose from Carl Rogers' school of client-centred therapy in counselling theory.[1] Empathy is at the centre of Rogers' approach.[1]

It is a practice of expressing genuine understanding in response to a speaker as opposed to word-for-word regurgitation.[1] Reflective listening takes practice, and there must be a sincere interest while listening to the speaker in order for them to truly express themselves.[2]

Style of communication

Reflective listening is one of the core skills of motivational interviewing, a style of communication that works collaboratively to encourage change.[3] When reflecting on the words of the person speaking, their tone and other nonverbal clues are kept in mind.[3]

There will be times in daily life that reflective listening can be helpful. For example, if a loved one is suffering from depression and is not being honest about their feelings, using reflective listening could be an effective strategy to help them open up. Dr. Xavier Amador suggests if your partner claims they are doing fine, then you could respond with, “What you’re telling me is that there’s nothing wrong, is that correct? Can I tell you what I’ve noticed?”[4] These questions can allow the other party to feel valued, as they sometimes just want to be heard and not given advice immediately.[4]

Reflective listening is a crucial component in various occupations that require direct communication with others. Failure to understand the needs of the person speaking can result in errors in work such as problems being unresolved or decisions not being quickly made.[5]

Additional application

Reflective listening has been found to be effective in a therapeutic setting.[6] Using empathy to actively listen allows for better understanding of the context between both parties.[citation needed] Subjects receiving reflective listening from a counsellor have reported better therapeutic relationship and more disclosure of feelings.[6] With a positive relationship between both parties achieved by reflective listening, there is an increase chance of recovery.[7]

Students that are entering the counselling field took part in a qualitative study that utilises music, specifically song lyrics, to enhance their reflective listening skills.[8] By interpreting the emotions and feelings behind the words of a song, these participants are able to recognise hidden messages which is a skill they can transfer to listening to their future clients.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Braillon, Alain; Taiebi, Françoise (2020-09-01). "Practicing "Reflective listening" is a mandatory prerequisite for empathy". Patient Education and Counseling. 103 (9): 1866–1867. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2020.03.024. ISSN 0738-3991. PMID 32487470. S2CID 216209760.
  2. ^ Rogers, Carl R.; Farson, Richard E. (1987). "Active Listening" (PDF).
  3. ^ a b Miller, Barbara; Seabury, Robin (2001). "When is it motivational interviewing?" (PDF).
  4. ^ a b Pearson, Catherine (2022-10-27). "How to Help a Partner Living With Depression". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
  5. ^ Rautalinko, Erik; Lisper, Hans-Olof (Spring 2004). "Effects of Training Reflective Listening in a Corporate Setting". Journal of Business and Psychology. 18 (3): 281–299. doi:10.1023/B:JOBU.0000016712.36043.4f. S2CID 144777406.
  6. ^ a b Rautalinko, E; Lisper, HO; Ekehammar, B (2007). "Reflective listening in counseling: Effects of training time and evaluator social skills". American Journal of Psychotherapy. 61 (2): 191–209. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2007.61.2.191. PMID 17760322.
  7. ^ Rautalinko, Erik; Lisper, Hans-Olof; Ekehammar, Bo (April 2007). "Reflective Listening in Counseling: Effects of Training Time and Evaluator Social Skills". American Journal of Psychotherapy. 61 (2): 191–209. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2007.61.2.191. ISSN 0002-9564. PMID 17760322.
  8. ^ a b Davis, Eric; Pereira, Jennifer (2016). "Using Song Lyrics to Enhance Counselor Trainee Perceptions of their Reflective Listening Skills. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision". Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision. 8.

Further reading

  • Reflective Listening — One-page summary used by National Health Care for the Homeless Council (currently under construction as of January 12, 2013)
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