How to Be A Better Listener Through Empathic Listening
We each want to be a better listener and to be God’s gaze on others as they tell their stories. Episode #46 gives us some practical strategies for doing this well.
The amazing guest on today’s episode of the UnPerfect Podcast is Dr. Jackie Perry. A gifted communicator, Jackie is passionate about making theological, biological, and neurological concepts accessible. She draws from experiences as a graduate professor of clinical mental health counseling and more than 30 years of providing therapeutic services for adolescents, emergent adults, and families and clinical supervision for counselors in her role as Director of The SoulWell Center.
Jackie started The SoulWell Center out of a desire to integrate her experience as a counselor educator to equip everyday people to love others well. In episode #46, she shares insights about being a better listener through empathic listening.
Stories have a unique power to connect us. When I listen to your story, it resonates with something in my own life. I don’t need to share my story in that moment. But I’m a better listener by being able to empathize with yours. This emotional connection leads to personal growth as I hold space for your emotions and experiences.
For some specific strategies to being a better listener (by listening emphatically), check out episode #29 – Healthy Ways to Listen to the Stories Others Tell.
Jackie wrote a book we can ALL USE – Parenting the Heart of Your Teen, and you can buy it on Kindle or paperback here.