{"id":1183,"date":"2021-01-16T19:41:23","date_gmt":"2021-01-17T00:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/randywithers.com\/?p=1183"},"modified":"2021-12-12T21:08:49","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T02:08:49","slug":"active-listening-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Active Listening is Crucial for Effective Communication in Relationships (and How to Do It)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/#What_is_active_listening\" title=\"What is active listening?\">What is active listening?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/#The_Three_As_of_Active_Listening\" title=\"The Three A\u2019s of Active Listening\">The Three A\u2019s of Active Listening<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/#Verbal_Active_Listening_Practice\" title=\"Verbal Active Listening Practice&nbsp;\">Verbal Active Listening Practice&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/#Positive_Reinforcement\" title=\"Positive Reinforcement\">Positive Reinforcement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/#Remembering\" title=\"Remembering\">Remembering<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/#Ask_Caring_Questions\" title=\"Ask Caring Questions\">Ask Caring Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/#Reflection_Summarizing\" title=\"Reflection &amp; Summarizing&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Reflection &amp; Summarizing&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/#Nonverbal_Active_Listening_Cues\" title=\"Nonverbal Active Listening Cues&nbsp;\">Nonverbal Active Listening Cues&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/#Get_Help_Improving_Your_Relationship_Through_Better_Communication\" title=\"Get Help Improving Your Relationship Through Better Communication&nbsp;\">Get Help Improving Your Relationship Through Better Communication&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Before I started my training as a therapist, I had no idea what active listening was, let alone how crucial it is to communication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Effective communication requires focus, concentration, and skill.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is that anyone can start honing their active listening skills and build better relationships &#8212; here\u2019s how.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-In-Relationships.jpg\" alt=\"Why Active Listening is Crucial for Effective Communication in Relationships \" class=\"wp-image-35569 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-In-Relationships.jpg\" alt=\"Why Active Listening is Crucial for Effective Communication in Relationships \" class=\"wp-image-35569 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-In-Relationships.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-In-Relationships-83x125.jpg 83w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-In-Relationships-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-In-Relationships-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-In-Relationships-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Why Active Listening is Crucial for Effective Communication in <a class=\"rank-math-link\" title=\"Relationships\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/relationships\/\">Relationships<\/a> (and How to Do It)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_active_listening\"><\/span>What is active listening?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Active listening is a communication technique developed for use in <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-get-results-in-therapy\/\" title=\"counseling\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">counseling<\/a> and mediation. An active listener has the ability to focus on the speaker, understand their message, comprehend their message, and respond thoughtfully and with compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With passive listening, you might \u201chear\u201d a person but fail to absorb and retain what they really mean.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can\u2019t be fully engaged without actively listening.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To do this, you need to&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Be 100% present (no multitasking)<\/li><li>Offer space for the other person to fully express themselves<\/li><li>Concentrate on what they mean&nbsp;<\/li><li>Validate in your response&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Remember what was said&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal is to ensure that the other person feels completely heard and that what they are saying is valid.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/toxic-relationship-traits\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">reasons for failed relationships<\/a>, and sometimes they just end for no real reason.&nbsp;Don&#8217;t let <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-improve-communication-relationships\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">poor communication skills<\/a> sabotage yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.\u200a<\/p><cite> <em>\u2014\u200aM. Scott Peck, \u201cThe Road Less Traveled\u201d<\/em> <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Three_As_of_Active_Listening\"><\/span>The Three A\u2019s of Active Listening<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Active listening requires energy and self-awareness. In order for it to happen, both parties need to be aware of their roles in the conversation, and 100% engaged in dialogue.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are three core components of active listening.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Attention&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Being present means putting in the effort to listen to your partner &#8212; not just the \u201cwords,\u201d but their emotions, body language, tone, and meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The idea here is not to \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/distorted-thinking-and-cognitive-distortions\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">read their mind<\/a>\u201d but to try your best to understand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A passive listener gets impatient for their partner to make a point, signaling this by interrupting or minimizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the active listener uses that time to process the points, listens for key points, keywords, and summarizes the points such that they are able to confirm understanding.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\"><li><strong>Attitude<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you arrive at the conversation feeling contempt, the real conversation will be over before it starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you remove judgment and hostility first, you clear the space for your partner to just talk. You can agree or disagree, but do so only after your partner has spoken.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Never interrupt, and try to stop and reflect on what they have said before saying anything yourself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A positive attitude and an open mind are crucial components of active listening.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\"><li><strong>Adjustment<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>A good active listener understands that they can\u2019t predict or control a conversation. It could start angry and turn to joy, or the other way around.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s just no way of knowing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, a good active listener requires both flexibility and patience, with the capacity to \u201cgo with the flow\u201d to help the person who is doing the talking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Coaching-Others-1024x944-e1553716889997.png\" alt=\"7 key active listening skills\" class=\"wp-image-10024 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Coaching-Others-1024x944-e1553716889997.png\" alt=\"7 key active listening skills\" class=\"wp-image-10024 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Coaching-Others-1024x944-e1553716889997.png 700w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Coaching-Others-1024x944-e1553716889997-272x180.png 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Courtesy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cengage.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Cengage (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Cengage<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Verbal_Active_Listening_Practice\"><\/span>Verbal Active Listening Practice&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some specific things that you can do to show a loved one that they are heard.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Positive_Reinforcement\"><\/span>Positive Reinforcement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you don\u2019t completely understand what your partner is saying, you can thank them for being open and honest.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use their name, take their hand (if they want to be touched), and offer words of positive reinforcement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThank you for being open and honest with me.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cI value what you have to say.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThat\u2019s an excellent point&#8230;I never thought about it that way.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Remembering\"><\/span>Remembering<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re bad at remembering &#8212; this is just human nature, and some people are better at it than others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But making a point of remembering the big conversations, remembering how they felt, and expressing this is huge. It shows you care enough to learn about them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, if someone is telling you something deeply personal (for instance), they are making themselves vulnerable, and this is scary. The person being vulnerable may fear rejection or minimization.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But one of the worst things you can do is<em> forget<\/em> how your partner felt or said at an important moment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Summarizing what they said in your own words back to them can help you to retain and remember important information.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Active Listening: How To Communicate Effectively\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BW82k7lwI_U?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Active Listening: How To Communicate Effectively. Courtesy, YouTube.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ask_Caring_Questions\"><\/span>Ask Caring Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Asking relevant questions shows attention and care. Even if you don\u2019t remember some details, questions can help you show them that you are interested and that you care.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not the place for accusatory questions, though, such as \u201cwhy are you overreacting\u201d or \u201cwhy do you think this is such a big deal.\u201d Even questions that might seem useful to you may come off as accusatory.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sensitive and appropriate. Make sure the questions make the other person feel safe enough to continue and keep the conversation flowing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use open questions to clarify and understand &#8212; that is, questions that require more than just \u201cyes\/no.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good open question might be \u201ctell me what is bothering you right now\u201d or \u201cwhat can I do to help you right now.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reflection_Summarizing\"><\/span>Reflection &amp; Summarizing&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you repeat or paraphrase what the person just said, it shows that you are at least making your best effort to understand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, a partner is sad and angry as they tell you they\u2019ve just been fired after working somewhere for 10 years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can reflect on their feelings by saying something like:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>I\u2019m hearing that you put all of this time and energy into this, and these people who should have been supporting you ended up betraying you.<\/em>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this is correct, the look of relief on their face should show you. If you are not, they will clarify, and the conversation will continue.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either way, the fact that you were trying to understand their feelings in that moment will go a long way towards helping them <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/keep-anxiety-from-ruining-your-relationships\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">cope with this stressful situation<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.<\/p><cite> \u2014\u200aErnest Hemingway <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nonverbal_Active_Listening_Cues\"><\/span>Nonverbal Active Listening Cues&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is subtler than its counterpart but is just as important.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people read nonverbal cues automatically even if they don\u2019t know it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples of nonverbal cues include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Body language<\/li><li>Posture&nbsp;<\/li><li>Tone&nbsp;<\/li><li>Eye contact<ul><li>This is always important, particularly in certain situations. If your partner is disclosing painful truths to you, it is often the best idea not to pierce them with a prolonged gaze. On the other hand, intermittent eye contact signals a lack of interest.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Smiling&nbsp;<ul><li>While a reassuring smile is powerful, it can sometimes come off as condescending, and as such you should be mindful of your audience.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Crossed arms&nbsp;<\/li><li>Mirroring&nbsp;<\/li><li>Fidgeting&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Active listening\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kbK4Kr4Dsj4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Active Listening: Nonverbal Cues. Courtesy, YouTube.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not just about the signals that they are sending &#8212; but also the nonverbal cues that you are sending. For instance, if you are distracted and messing around on your phone, you are not showing them respect.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But a calm demeanor, a cocked head, and full eye contact show them you are fully present.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, be aware of what you are reflecting back to them (mirroring) and if this is appropriate. For instance, don&#8217;t smile if they are in pain, and vice versa.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to improve your active listening skills, being aware of your loved one\u2019s body language and your own is an essential practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.\u200a<\/p><cite> <em>\u2014\u200aKarl A. Menniger, psychiatrist <\/em> <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_Help_Improving_Your_Relationship_Through_Better_Communication\"><\/span>Get Help Improving Your Relationship Through Better Communication&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All relationships have some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">rocky times<\/a>, but the ability to communicate in healthy ways is truly what can make or break any relationship &#8212; not just the romantic ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Communication problems are the proverbial canary in the coal mine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We have an obligation to listen to the needs of our loved ones, to make them feel seen and validated. And we all need help with this from time to time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\">If you&#8217;d like to learn how to improve your relationships even more, try BetterHelp, the #1 <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/betterhelp-counseling-review\/\" title=\"online counseling\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">online counseling<\/a> platform. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow rel=&quot;sponsored&quot;\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"BetterHelp\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/recommends\/betterhelp\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Click here to get a discounted rate.&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a aria-label=\"How to Practice Active Listening (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-active-listening-3024343\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">How to Practice Active Listening<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\"Important Active Listening Skills and Techniques (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebalancecareers.com\/active-listening-skills-with-examples-2059684\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Important Active Listening Skills and Techniques<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\"10 Steps To Effective Listening (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/womensmedia\/2012\/11\/09\/10-steps-to-effective-listening\/#1693f3763891\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">10 Steps To Effective Listening<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Active listening is a crucial component of healthy communication. Although we are not all taught this skill early on in life, you can learn.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":35568,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[781,797],"tags":[810,108,107,52],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships.jpg",800,450,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships-400x225.jpg",400,225,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships.jpg",800,450,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships.jpg",800,450,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-Active-Listening-is-Crucial-for-Effective-Communication-in-Relationships.jpg",720,405,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":4,"uagb_excerpt":"Active listening is a crucial component of healthy communication. Although we are not all taught this skill early on in life, you can learn.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1183"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1183"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1183\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35568"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1183"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}