As a therapist it is not uncommon for someone to ask me if I have recommendations for resources to provide more insight or perspective on a given topic. In this case when I refer to the word resource, I mean books. I decided it might be helpful to do this next series on a variety of books regarding a variation of topics. I will provide an overview of the book. I’m also going to discuss how a given resource could be helpful to clinicians and non-clinicians. All of the resources that I will cover in this, and future posts are ones I read of my own volition. I am not receiving any form of compensation from the authors nor their publishing companies. 

We live in a world of instant gratification with the internet and social media. Not to mention the anonymity that comes with commenting on people’s post whether positive or otherwise. The book You’re Not Listening written by Kate Murphy discusses the importance of listening in today’s world. Murphy comments that over the past decade, there are more suicides and experiences of depression and one of the causes of this is that people are not listening to each other. This resource not only takes a look at the benefits of listening and how it’s imperative for our culture and world, it also looks at the structural integrity of the ear and how we may be unknowingly damaging our hearing. Now if you are not into learning about the anatomy of the ear, I totally get that however, part of it makes sense with the new inventions of noise canceling headphones or the ear buds.

Benefits for the clinician

For the clinicians who read this book, quite honestly, it’s a lot of stuff we already know, specifically the importance of listening, the importance of being with and being in the moment with your clients. It’s a nice reminder to know that what we do has significance and relevance. It made me realize and feel validated how much effort and work it takes to truly listen with the intention to understand. I greatly appreciated reading this book. It allowed me to not only look at it through my professional lens but also personally. I asked myself, trying to listen to understand with my husband, kids, friends and colleagues.

Benefits for the non-clinician

For the non-clinician, Murphy’s discussion of how in present day people are not listening to hear and understand, but more so listening for their turn to talk can be beneficial. I think this book can allow non-clinicians a new perspective in their relationships, personal and professional, to grasp a better understanding. Specifically, she discusses how one can be a better listener through active listening. Active listening requires the listener to summarize what the speaker is saying. By doing this it creates an opportunity for a deeper and enriching experience when listening to others which in turn would allow for a deeper and enriching relationship.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this post, as I’m just trying to offer a few words of wisdom in a complex world. I hope you found it helpful or maybe you are already doing all of what I suggested, and it just feels good to feel affirmed. Life is hard and I am here to help. I offer individual services to help your life journey. If you would like to set up a time to chat my contact information is below.

Jennifer Bailey, LCSW & RDT

jbaileytherapyservices@gmail.com

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