Services

We’ve all been there before—something weighing on our minds, a

frustration we need to vent about, or just feeling alone. What do we

want in those situations? Someone to talk to; someone to listen and

be emotionally available to us. If we’re lucky, we have a best friend, a

sibling, or a parent we can talk to. But not everyone does. And even

those who do have close relationships don’t always want to discuss a

particular issue with those people.

 

In today’s climate of unpredictability, insecurity, and constant bad

news, not to mention pandemic, feelings of isolation, fear, and

loneliness are rampant. For young people, the data is in—social

media is leading to more isolation, depression, and anxiety all the

time. Ironic, isn’t it? And with many adults now working from home,

isolation is growing in those in the workforce too. Water cooler

conversations are no more, unless your employer chooses to provide

the contrived version of that via video chat. (It exists!) A growing

elderly population means that more and more older adults are in long-

term care, a known recipe for loneliness.

 

Much research has been done over decades that supports the

positive benefit of being listened to. Recently, Jonas-Simpson et al

(2021)* found that being listened to enhanced the quality of life of

older adults in long terms care. Bodie et al (2015)** found that active

listening resulted in a greater perception of emotional improvement.

And Kawamichi et al (2014)*** actually identified a specific change in

the brain that was triggered by perceiving active listening and which

led to feelings of reward.

 

Besides feeling better, talking through issues, feeling, and thoughts

with a compassionate, understanding partner can lead us to our own

solutions. Often our answers lie within. Having someone to talk to can help to uncover them.

 

Who would use listening services?

•  Anyone interested in self-exploration and discovery

•  Someone who feels lonely or isolated

• Someone who wants to talk through a particular issue but

doesn’t feel comfortable talking about it with a friend or family

member

•  Someone who wants to vent to an objective listener, free of

judgment

 

 

Note: Listening Services are not a substitute for counseling or mental health services, nor is it a crisis service. Those in need of mental health services should contact a doctor, counselor, or

crisis hotline.

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