ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the action of listening in the work of psychotherapy, and all performing arts. True listening is not passive. Even when we are silent, we participate in relational events—exchanges of attention, mind, emotion, energy, and imagination between at least two people: e.g., actor and audience, actor and scene partner, client and therapist. The fire of a relational event is sparked into flaming life through the catalytic act of listening. Examples are given of the various ways therapists can use listening as a conscious, purposeful, compassionate activity in session.
