Atlanta, GA,
01
April
2015
|
09:00 AM
America/New_York

The Art of Listening Can Reduce Stress as You Adjust to a Spinal Cord Injury

By Jill Koval, Ph.D.
Director, Psychological Services, Shepherd Center Inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Program

As spring unfolds, what do you hear? One of the key indicators of spring is the chirping of birds! As loud as they can be, sometimes if we are busy or preoccupied, we don’t hear things that are going on around us or even said directly to us. There truly is an art to listening.

The ability to listen forms the foundation of effective communication – the communication of information, feelings, needs and wishes. Ineffective listening can result in conflict, misunderstandings, disappointment and resentment.

After spinal cord injury, listening well becomes even more important as families adjust to changes and new challenges. Communication is key.

Here are some ways that you can actively listen:

  • Pick a time to talk that is more conducive to success. The end of a long day is usually not the best time.
     
  • Reduce distractions, such as television and electronic devices.
     
  • Make eye contact.
     
  • Take turns making sure you are hearing and being heard. Ask the other person to repeat what you’ve said. For example, “What I heard you say is ______________.”
     
  • Do not think of your response while the other person is still talking.
     
  • Do not interrupt the other person.
     
  • Ask for clarification if you are confused or unclear about what is being said.
     
  • Be as clear and direct as possible in what you say.
     
  • Remember that other people don’t know how you feel or think if you don’t tell them.

Practice, practice, practice! Use active listening consistently, not just to deal with negative thoughts, emotions or issues.Give it a try! More effective listening leads to improved communication, which will directly reduce the stress of dealing withspinal cord injury and all the changes that come with it.

For more information on psychological services available at Shepherd Center, you may call 404-350-7553.

JILL KOVAL, Ph.D., is the director of psychological services in the Spinal Cord Injury Inpatient Program at Shepherd Center in Atlanta. She has worked at Shepherd Center since 1989. Dr. Koval has a doctorate in psyhcology from George Washington University. You may reach her at jill_koval@shepherd.org.

About Shepherd Center

Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.