Chaplain Lynne writes:
Listening is a challenge sometimes for individuals. For someone doing crisis interventions, it is a critical skill. Listening allows cathartic ventilation, and a balance of emotional and cognitive functions to develop within the individual we serve.
Quiet Listening takes courage, strength, patience, love, compassion, empathy and most of all, humility. Quiet listening is using your silence to listen, fully present with them, and thereby support the individual as you do. Not listening just to decide what great wisdom you can impart, but quiet listening, as a choice to understand, and empathize, with what they are experiencing and feeling.
Courage to look past yourself… into the pain of another, without flinching.
Strength to hold the courage, to stand in your own peace, in the midst of the storm they are in.
Patience to hear them, gird them, & love them.
Loving them is a reflection of the care you desire and receive from your faith foundation… it’s your faith in action, your faith revealed. Love in action is compassion and empathy.
And most importantly, Humility… to focus on the individual before yourself.
Humility is the antidote to pride. Humility builds relationships. Having the humility to sit before them, allowing their pain to be evident and their words to speak loudly.
If you struggle listening to others, in being silent… Not just in words, but, also in your mind… in order that you can be fully present in the moment…
I guarantee that you struggle being fully present and silent before God.
Perhaps, that is the greatest blessing of learning crisis intervention and chaplain skills… the resulting growth in our horizontal relationships, which includes a better foundation in our faith relationship, vertically.
We become the embodiment of what we believe.
Of what our relationship with our faith foundation truly is…
our true connection with our God… as we minister in a crisis.
“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” ~ Ephesians 4:2 NASB
Polishing Skills in Chaplaincy
Explore common questions about the role of listening in chaplaincy and how to improve these essential skills.
Why is listening important in chaplaincy?
Listening is vital in chaplaincy as it helps build trust, provides comfort, and allows chaplains to understand the needs and concerns of the care receiver.
How can I improve my listening skills?
Practice active listening, avoid interrupting, and show empathy. Engage in reflective listening to ensure you understand the care receiver’s message.
What is active listening?
Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. It is a key skill for effective communication.
What is reflective listening?
Reflective listening is a technique where the listener mirrors back what the speaker has said, confirming understanding and showing empathy.
How does listening to a person in crisis benefit them?
Listening helps individuals in many different domains. It helps them feel heard and valued, reduces their stress, and provides a sense of support and validation. The process of sharing their story increases their cognition, which with high emotion becomes lowered. “Emotion up, cognition down!” It brings about homeostasis, a balance within the individual.
What are some common barriers to effective listening?
Common barriers for a chaplain include distractions, preconceived notions, emotional reactions, tight schedules and lack of focus while communicating. Awareness of these barriers is essential to avoid them while listening.