Reflection #1: Co-Leading a Group Session on Active Listening

Active Listening: Learning to Listen Better

To summarize the session, we heard from each member on on how they were feeling given some descriptors and got some practice with recall from listening, learning that our emotions can affect our listening. We talked about what active listening is and ways to express it. We did a role-playing activity to help facilitate awareness for both the “sharer” and the “listener”, active and non-active. We also did an activity to help facilitate awareness on the importance of asking questions to better understand those we are listening to. (The therapist will say, “draw a triangle intersected by a line on top of a circle next to a square.” The instructions will not be repeated, and no clarifying questions can be asked. Everyone will draw their own picture based off their interpretation of the instructions.) Without clarification, we can walk away with very different perspectives. We also spent time discussing how listening applies to our everyday life, its relevance and importance. Listening Skills Handouts were given to each member and we encouraged them to choose at least one active listening skill to use in conversations this week.

I feel that we explained the purpose of the group and expectations. I can't remember if we outlined all of the activities at the beginning of the session, but we did explain each activity as we went through them. We did a warm up by allowing members to share how they were feeling given seven descriptive words, and then asked members to recall what the person before them had shared.

Our activities were prepared and we gave directions clearly. We began with a role-playing activity and then moved on to a drawing activity that showed how lack of active listening can lead to people walking away from a conversation with very different interpretations. I think I really saw some lightbulbs coming on with that activity. It seemed to make people really think, even to the point of seeing the perspective of someone who doesn't have the ability to ask questions and give feedback. We discussed in the debrief that the role-playing activity was much "stiffer". Audrey and I had to really pull out input from the group members by coming up with questions on the spot. After the drawing activity, there seemed to be more discussion and input given freely and comfortably. The flow improved. Maybe the drawing activity could have been first to help the role-playing be more comfortable for the participants? Each member was given a chance to share, and every member shared at least once. I feel that we gave appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication. I sometimes wasn't sure if I should jump in and help connect dots and give input and encouragement for participating or give the members more time and let there be breaks of silence. We received positive feedback from participants on the experience. I feel that we lead with a facilitative approach. We had a plan and an outline, but we wanted to facilitate awareness, understanding, and discussion. We spent time at the end sharing why active listening is important and should be applied in our everyday life. Group members were given time to reflect on experiences that they have had that involved listening. We summarized our group in the way that I began this blog. We reviewed all that we had done in the group and thanked our participants for their engagement and participation. I feel like we were prepared and allowed our members opportunities to share and discuss. We also made a point to emphasize the life application of our topic, active listening. We wanted the members to leave knowing that the activities and tools of group were meant to make a difference in important ways in their every day life.

As mentioned, we could have switched our activities to help with some of the dynamics, starting with something a little more relaxed and moving to something more structured. We were starting to worry midway through the session about time, but I think we realized that every second doesn't have to be and can't be planned and structured, and there needs to be time for the members to have their effects on the group process by sharing and facilitating.

I loved this experience. Audrey was a wonderful partner and our group is so great! They were encouraging, enthusiastic, and engaged. I would enjoy having a group session every week!