ABSTRACT
This chapter draws upon knowledge from the field of counselling psychology to explore the importance of good communication skills in facilitating women feeling heard when discussing their experience of childbirth. It is emphasised that being listened to effectively can assist with processing an experience and aiding a woman’s psychological recovery. The ‘core conditions’ of person-centred counselling are discussed, along with practical skills such as ‘active listening’. The OARS and SURETY models are considered as frameworks for verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and it is considered how to apply these outside of a traditional counselling context. Barriers to good listening are discussed, and ideas such as containment are explored in relation to the importance of good self-care and restorative supervision when providing a listening-based intervention. Cultural diversity and issues around the importance of language and use of interpreters is considered. The utility of listening for issues around risk and shame, together with strengths and potential for growth, is also explored.
