Active listening is essential as it facilitates the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between client and clinician (Ennis et al., 2013). The skills include holding judgment, reflecting, clarifying, summarising and sharing in an authentic way (Jahromi, Tabatabaee, Abdar, & Rajabi, 2016). When these are adopted clients feel more valued and comfortable, which demonstrates the person-centred approach occupational therapists strive for. The literature supports the value of active listening in healthcare settings and thus, it is imperative occupational therapists portray these skills.
Diagram illustrating the ways to achieve active listening.