Active listening refers to the concentration on receiving information and creating an atmosphere that motivates an active participation in the conversation. It also implies open communication and empathy between people who talk to each other. Asking questions is the first critical element of active listening as it helps to properly understand the meaning that a person attaches to the words spoken. In many cases, events and situations can be interpreted differently, while asking questions allows avoiding misunderstanding. When I listened to my friend, who told me about his problems in relationships, I asked some questions about his vision and goals in these relationships. It was useful to clarify that my friend sincerely wants to finish them, but he is afraid that the other person would suffer and develop depression. In terms of counseling, I believe that some implicit spiritual questions can be useful to direct a client through his challenges (Hodge, 2015). It seems that without these questions, I would think that he wants to take a pause or improve these relationships.
The ability to remain open-minded is another important skill that should be involved in active listening. Even though I personally knew the person with whom my friend was in relationships, and I thought that it is better for them to be together, I did not say it explicitly. I understood that their interactions might be much more complicated, and it is not correct professionally and ethically to interfere with them. Instead, being open-minded means being impacted by what others say to consider their situations from their perspective or, at least, to try doing it. However, it does not necessarily mean sharing the other person’s (client’s) opinion.
Reference
Hodge, D. R. (2015). Spiritual assessment in social work and mental health practice. Columbia University Press.