Learning the Art of Active Listening (Part 1)

While living in Tokyo several years ago, I volunteered at a crisis hotline for the international community there. Through a rigorous training program run by professional mental health counselors, I learned during that time what I consider as the most useful skill I have ever acquired in my entire life: active listening.

Active listening is a mindful way of hearing out another person. It is an “attempt to demonstrate unconditional acceptance and unbiased reflection” (Weger et al., 2010). One of the main goals of active listening is to minimize the effect of our own biases and to practice mindful patience..” (Dollinger, Comer & Warrington, 2006).

Simply put, active listening is the ultimate form of listening wherein we set aside our personal agenda to create a safe and nurturing space for another person.

What are the personal benefits I have gained from learning active listening?

First, it gave me a great volunteer opportunity and enabled me to be present for the many people in need who called that hotline. I handled calls from people thinking of harming or killing themselves, those suffering from domestic violence, survivors of sexual assault, or those who simply felt utterly alone in life. I would not have been able to handle such sensitive or difficult conversations without the confidence…