Characteristics of an 'Active Listener'

"Active Listening" is simply the offering of friendship by one ordinary human being to another at a time of crisis or loneliness. An Active Listener has no professional status or authority, but is simply a fellow human being who cares. The purpose of Active Listening is to listen, accept, care...

What makes a good Active Listener?

Does √ listen more than talk√ direct the conversation to the painful feelings√ have compassion for sufferer√ risk being foolish√ attempt to be available at all times√ remain willing to share another person's pain√ respects confidences√ listen√ accept Does not × offer opinion or judgments× belittle or minimize concerns× discuss...

How to Actively Listen

YOU ARE NOT LISTENING TO ME WHEN... You do not care about me; You say you understand before you know me well enough; You have an answer for my problem before I've finished telling you what my problem is; You cut me off before I have finished speaking; You find...

Guide to Active Listening

It's hard to know what to do when someone you care about is feeling depressed or upset. You can use the following list as a guide to good Active Listening: DO: Befriend Consider the possibility of suicide Focus on the pain Ask if suicide is on their minds Get involved...

Active Listening Roleplay

Mary is an Active Listener. Samantha is a potentially suicidal student. Mary: Hi Sam, can I help you? I'd be happy to listen to you, if you want. Samantha: Ah— (silence)... Mary: You seem quite upset. Can you tell me about it? Samantha: I don't know. Nobody wants to listen...