Reflective Essay On Active Listening

Throughout my life I often caught myself thinking, “I wish someone would listen!” “Do they even know what listening is?” More so, “do they know what it takes to be an active listener?” Before entering Counseling Theory and Process, I was exceedingly confident in my ability to be an active listener, hence my interest in becoming a counselor, little did I know, there was an abundant amount of information to be learned. Furthermore, there was so much more knowledge to consume about other people, the counseling process, and the development of my own professional identity in general. Active listening is a powerful technique that I believe is highly underestimated. Prior to this class I never realized how effective this simple act was. I was …show more content…
I’ve learned that unconditional positive regard, active listening, and being empathetic are all essential to achieving success, not questions. Questions are barriers to communication and may stall the construction of a positive relationship. On the other hand, reflections, paraphrases and summarizing are crucial and eminent when responding. An individual is more likely to respond and open up when you reflect their feeling rather than ask a question. In addition, they may not know how they are feeling however, if you have an idea, reflecting the feeling gives them the sense that you understand. Correspondingly, it is important to remember that everyone is different, there’s no special time they should terminate or disclose information by. One of the most important aspects that had the greatest impact on the development of my professional identity is that there is no theory that you need to adhere to, it’s important that you have a variety and can pick and pull from different theories in your …show more content…
As I emerge into the counseling profession I plan to apply these skills to the best of my ability in any school I attend. Furthermore, I will apply my active listening skills to a sharper, more superior level. For the most part kids believe you don’t understand, being able to pick up on that and reflect it back to them will help me build the positive rapport needed to make a difference. Additionally, after learning to be comfortable with silence, I will be able to give the student space and not rush a session. Last but not least I will apply the theories that we have discussed through the semester. I have learned that person-centered is my main focus, where I feel most comfortable and confident. However, I plan to apply different techniques of other theories as well such as, exaggeration by Gestalt, I believe that could be eminently impactful when working with students. In addition I agree with aspects of the existential theory, I believe making the students realize they have a choice puts the ball in their court and allows them to feel comfortable when making