By training the respected women in empathetic listening and therapy techniques, and stationing them on benches outside of health clinics, the model not only increased access to care, it helped destigmatize mental illness too.
https://www.wvxu.org/2023-11-17/how-athens-county-is-using-friendship-benches-to-address-a-growing-public-health-concern
Empathetic listening is a really important skill for parents to learn in order to support children’s emotional well-being. Here’s a 3-minute video tip on how to do it.
If you have a little one who is struggling with their emotions, you might find my longer tutorial on self-soothe strategies useful too.
Fostering Emotional Support:
In times of joy, sorrow, or uncertainty, empathetic listening becomes a lifeline for emotional support. When we actively listen to someone, acknowledging their feelings without judgment, we provide a powerful source of validation and comfort. Empathetic listening allows individuals to feel heard, understood, and supported, easing their emotional burdens and promoting well-being.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/vital-importance-empathetic-listening-building-bridges-jerome-cenia/
Communication that leads to real human connection involves active listening and empathy. Active listening includes eye contact as well as verbal and non-verbal acknowledgments that you are listening. This includes things like nodding your head, responding affirmatively and asking questions for clarification. Empathy involves reflection, validation and a genuine concern for how another is thinking or feeling. This combination of active listening and empathy can be referred to as empathetic listening, can improve relationships of all kinds, from couples and families to friends and coworkers.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/active-listening-and-empathy-for-human-connection