AS AN employee of a counselling organisation I am bound to say that talking about your innermost feelings and being truly heard is of value and can transform your life for the better. 

But there is a growing body of evidence showing that this is truly the case.   A US study has revealed that the brain of an individual engaged in counselling undergoes significant, positive change.

Interestingly, the research shows that the impact on the counsellor’s brain is also positive.

Given the efficacy of both listening and being listened to, it is perhaps surprising how little emphasis is placed on learning this vital skill – either at school, at work or in life generally. 

Being a good listener is often bandied about as the secret of good relationships –but how often are we really taught or encouraged to develop the skill?

Also what does listening to another person really involve?  A recent study reported in the Harvard Business Review, identified that those considered excellent listeners are able to engage and be fully present with another person, without focusing or referring back to themselves. 

This may sound simple but it actually takes real practise as apparently our brains are wired to take in information and attempt to put that information into the context of our own experience.

Business adviser, Ram Charan who has consulted to some of the world’s leading organisations claims: “Truly empathetic listening requires courage — the willingness to let go of the old habits and embrace new ones.”

Let’s face it we all love the sensation of being listened to.

The more fully we feel listened to, the more we respond.

It is powerful - we fall in love with people who listen to us, we vote for people who listen to us, we buy the products and services of people who listen to us.

The ability to listen is one of the most profound influencing skills available to us.

lCome along to The GCS open day on Saturday, February 3 to find out about The GCS Art of Listening Course and the wide range of further therapeutic courses on offer.

See gloscounselling.org.uk training@gloscounselling.org.uk or call 01453 766 310.

Nicky Ferry is a training development manager at the Gloucestershire Counselling Service in Stroud.