The third Monday in January is often known as, ‘Blue Monday’. The story around this is that this label was designed by travel agents in order to remind everyone that the holiday festivities were over, it’s time to get back to work and perhaps now was a good time to book a holiday.

However, there is no evidence to say that this Monday is any different to any other; good, bad or otherwise. How we feel on any given day is not necessarily for a calendar to decide.

Perhaps, as the Samaritans say, rather than ‘Blue’ Monday it could be #BrewMonday where you reach out and connect and listen to others over a cuppa of whatever you fancy!

Why is being listened to important?
What are the benefits of having someone, in particular a counsellor or therapist, really listen and attend to what you are saying? There are many. Read on to see some of the benefits.

Your validation and acknowledgement
Having someone really listen to what you are saying and hearing you provides a sense of validation and acknowledgement. It communicates to you that your thoughts, feelings, experiences and emotions are important and worthy of attention.

Trust
Actively listening fosters trust between you and the counsellor. When you feel truly heard, it creates a foundation of trust, which is essential for a therapeutic relationship to be formed and maintained. Thus, creating an environment where you feel able to share your thoughts and emotions.

Expressing your emotions
Listening allows you to freely express your emotions. Many people struggle to articulate their feelings, and having a non-judgmental listener can encourage you to open up and share how you are feeling.

Self-reflection and clarity
Through the process of verbalizing your thoughts, you can gain clarity about your own feelings and perspectives. This self-reflection can be a powerful tool for your personal growth and problem-solving.

Empowering
Being listened to empowers you! It gives you a sense of control and agency in your own life, enabling you to feel that your voice matters and your choices are acknowledged.

Reducing feelings of isolation
The act of listening helps you to feel less isolated. Sharing your thoughts and experiences with a compassionate listener can break the cycle of loneliness and create a connection.

Reducing stress
When you feel heard, it can significantly reduce your stress. Expressing yourself and feeling understood can provide a sense of relief and contribute to your overall emotional well-being.

Improving your problem-solving
Through effective listening, counsellors can help you explore your thoughts and feelings, which facilitates a deeper understanding of any issues you are experiencing. This, in turn, contributes to more effective problem-solving and decision-making for you.

Your emotional release and catharsis
Being listened to allows you to release pent-up emotions. It provides you with a safe space for catharsis, helping you to let go of emotional burdens that may be affecting your mental health.

Promoting positive relationships
The ability to listen is crucial for building and maintaining your positive relationships. Whether in counselling or everyday life, active listening fosters understanding and connection.

Respect and dignity for you
Listening is an act of respect. It communicates that your thoughts and feelings are valued, contributing to a sense of dignity and worthiness.

In summary, being listened to is a continuous process and is a fundamental aspect of effective counselling, providing a myriad of psychological and emotional benefits that contribute to your personal growth and well-being.

Please reach out to me via the contact page, if you would like to be listened to and heard.