The Power of Active Listening

Hannah (Executive Director), Milka (Community Development Coordinator)

Earlier this month, we had the privilege of attending Secours Amitié Estrie’s Active Listening Conference, hosted by Mental Health Estrie as part of Suicide Prevention Week. We are grateful for this opportunity to refresh and strengthen one of the most essential skills in our work at Options: listening.

Listening is the foundation of communication. It's the beginning of a solution, and sometimes, it is THE solution. This conference provided valuable insights into the attitudes and techniques of active listening, equipping us with concrete tools to improve our ability to truly hear and support those who reach out to us.

What is Active Listening?

Active listening is the practice of fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said in a conversation. It involves giving the speaker your full attention, showing interest through verbal and nonverbal cues, and reflecting or summarizing what they’ve said to ensure understanding. Active listening also requires avoiding distractions, withholding judgment, extending empathy, and asking clarifying questions to foster meaningful communication.

To improve active listening, focus on fully understanding the other person while also increasing self-awareness. Recognizing your own biases, limits, and struggles helps prevent distractions that could hinder your ability to listen effectively. By managing these internal barriers, you can stay present, engaged, and better attuned to both verbal and nonverbal cues in conversations.

Why Active Listening Matters? 

Active listening is crucial in our work because it builds trust, ensures clients feel heard and valued, and allows us to truly understand their needs, fears, and experiences. By being fully present and self-aware, we can provide compassionate, informed support without letting our own biases or distractions interfere. This strengthens relationships, improves the quality of care, and ensures that every woman we serve receives the thoughtful, personalized support she deserves.

Exercise: Preparing Our Hearts for Active Listening

In our work, we will meet people with diverse experiences, beliefs, and emotions. Active listening requires us to recognize and set aside our own biases so we can respond with true compassion. This exercise challenges us to reflect on difficult scenarios before we encounter them, helping us listen without judgment and with empathy. How would you instinctively react?

Scenarios to Consider:

1. A woman who views parenting as a burden, not a blessing – She expresses only fear and frustration about being pregnant. How can you validate her emotions without dismissing her perspective?

2. A survivor of rape who is considering abortion – Her trauma shapes how she views her pregnancy. How can you listen with deep compassion without rushing to offer solutions?

3. A client in a same-sex relationship considering parenting – She and her partner want support but are unsure if they’ll be judged. How can you ensure they feel safe and respected?

4. A Christian woman who chooses abortion after receiving support – She engaged with your services but still decided on abortion. How can you continue to offer love and care without resentment or disappointment?

Can you recognize your own bias in how you would initially respond?

Where does your bias come from?

At Options, we offer resources and guidance, but more importantly, we listen. Often, our clients already have the answers within themselves; they simply need a safe space, thoughtful questions, and compassionate support to recognize it.

Listening is an act of love, and at Options, we LOVE our clients.💗

Our doors will always be open to listen.