Session 1: Introduction to Supportive Listening

Session 1: Introduction to supportive listening (18:24)

Jim Andrews, Ph.D, Speech-Language Pathologist

Mary Andrews, M.S., Couple & Family Therapist

Speech-Language pathologists use respectful listening when they want to learn from clients and/or family members. For example, learning about:

• a client’s perspective
• family members’ concerns
• client’s and family members’ expectations of treatment
• efforts that have been made to help
• gains in natural situations that may be attributed to treatment
• results of suggestions given to clients and family members

Some examples of effective listening characteristics are that the listener:

• adopts an attitude of curiosity
• listens nonjudgmentally
• keeps the conversation focused on the speaker
• keeps questions to a minimum
• clarifies the speaker’s statements

Some examples of barriers to listening are asking irrelevant questions that interrupt the topic and/or flow of conversation, talking about oneself, giving advice too early, and losing one’s focus of attention.

Practice Suggestion: Use respectful listening with a friend, colleague, child, or partner and remember to be curious, nonjudgmental, and respond with clarifying statements.

For further reading:

Andrews, J. & Andrews, M. (2000). Family-based treatment in communicative disorders: a systemic approach (2nd Ed.). DeKalb, IL: Janelle.

Rogers, C. (1951). Client-centered therapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Walker, M.T. (2001). Practical applications of the Rogerian perspective in postmodern psychotherapy. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 20(2), 41-57.