Active listening is more than just hearing words – it’s about being fully present and showing genuine interest in what the other person is saying. It’s one of the most powerful ways to build trust, reduce distress, and help someone feel heard and valued. For anyone supporting mental health in the workplace or community, active listening is a core skill – and it can make a huge difference in helping someone open up.

What Is Active Listening?

Active listening means:

• Giving someone your full attention
• Showing that you’re listening (verbally and non-verbally)
• Reflecting back what you hear
• Avoiding judgement, assumptions, or interruptions

It’s about*being with the person, not fixing them.

Why Active Listening Matters

• Helps the speaker feel safe, understood, and respected
• Reduces anxiety or distress
• Builds trust and rapport
• Encourages deeper, more honest conversations
• Helps you pick up on emotions or unspoken messages

💡 When people feel truly heard, they’re more likely to seek help and engage in solutions.

Active Listening Skills & Techniques

1. Give your full attention
   • Face the person, make eye contact (if culturally appropriate), and avoid distractions
   • Put your phone away and silence notifications
   • Use open body language – uncrossed arms, nodding, leaning slightly forward
2. Use verbal encouragers
   • Short, simple phrases that show you’re engaged, like:
     • “I see…”
     • “That sounds tough.”
     • “Go on…”
     • “I’m listening.”
3. Reflect and paraphrase
   • Repeat or rephrase what they’ve said to show you’ve understood.
     • “It sounds like you’ve been feeling overwhelmed at work.”
     • “So you’re saying it’s been hard to talk to anyone about this?”
   • Reflecting helps people feel heard – and also helps clarify their own thoughts.
4. Observe tone and body language
   • Sometimes what’s not said is just as important. Look for:
     • Hesitation, fidgeting, or tearfulness
     • A mismatch between words and tone
     • Changes in posture or facial expression
   • Respond to both what’s said and how it’s said.
5. Avoid judgement or solutions
   • Resist the urge to jump in with advice or reassurance. Instead of:
     • ❌ “At least it’s not worse…”
     • ❌ “Have you tried just thinking more positively?” Try:
     • ✅ “That sounds really difficult – how are you managing it right now?”
     • ✅ “Would it help to talk about what support might look like?”
6. Allow silence
   • Silence can feel awkward, but it gives the other person time to think, feel, or find the words they need. Don’t rush to fill the gap.
   • Sometimes silence is the space where the most important things are said.