How to listen to someone

Below are some guidelines to help support others by listening to them.

  1. Really try to understand what is might be like for them to have that problem.
  2. Reflect back what you sense or how you have heard what they have said.
  3. Do not try to cheer them up or get them to look on the 'bright side'.
  4. Try hear the emotion in what they are saying or not saying.
  5. Try not to be distracted by external factors (tv, time etc.)
  6. Do not try to push them into looking/talking about things they might not want to.
  7. Don't pretend to understand
  8. Don't ignore themes or the 'elephant in the room'..
  9. Let the person speak, don't butt in.
  10. Don't put your experience into the equation.
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