In Active Listening, what should you be?

In Active Listening, what should you be?

• A. Self-Directed and Focus on Yourself
• B. Judgmental
• C. Other-Directed and Focus on the Person
• D. Directive and Control the Conversation

Answer: (C)

Active listening means putting the focus on the person speaking and being with them in the moment. Being other-directed and focusing on the person helps you understand their message and feelings, which builds trust and safety essential for recovery support. You demonstrate this through your full attention, open body language, and reflections that restate what you hear and acknowledge emotions, without rushing to judge or offer advice. This keeps the conversation client-centered and collaborative rather than directive or self-focused. Focusing on yourself, judging, or steering the conversation would undermine rapport and the speaker’s sense of being heard. So, being other-directed and focusing on the person is what active listening looks like.

Active listening means putting the focus on the person speaking and being with them in the moment. Being other-directed and focusing on the person helps you understand their message and feelings, which builds trust and safety essential for recovery support. You demonstrate this through your full attention, open body language, and reflections that restate what you hear and acknowledge emotions, without rushing to judge or offer advice. This keeps the conversation client-centered and collaborative rather than directive or self-focused. Focusing on yourself, judging, or steering the conversation would undermine rapport and the speaker’s sense of being heard. So, being other-directed and focusing on the person is what active listening looks like.