I've never tried a Listening Experience before - what should I expect?
You can choose the type of Listening Experience you'd like. During our time together, I will listen intently and ask questions to help you discover what matters to you and what you want to do.
During the Experience, you may have a dialogue inside your mind, and you'll need time to start speaking again. I will always follow your lead and continue to listen through any silence.
I will, as directed, ask questions to foster you having a dialogue within yourself.
You can also choose how you engage; we can make space for feelings and other parts of your Experience.
I do not offer advice; I listen to you for most of the session and ask questions as were determined before the Experience. If I'm called too, I may offer resources and things for you to try between Experiences. You have a complete choice over whether or not you use that information.
I may share relevant personal experiences as an example of how I overcame similar challenges to yours. Still, the focus is on engaging with meaningful questions. The answers to those questions can reveal the inner knowledge that you already possess.
How to get your questions ready that will support the effectiveness of your Experience.
We will discuss the use of questions during your Discovery Call.
Defining the way you want to experience questions can enhance the effectiveness of your Experience.
You can write your own questions and provide them to me. Please send them at least three hours before your Experience. Please send them via email to questions@ilistentoday.com
Some people prefer a Listening Experience where they ask me to intuit the questions to ask them.
Why do you suggest I consent to recording the Experience?
I use Zoom so people can record themselves to save it as a record of that moment in the arc of their human story.
Thoughts in our minds can be transitory, even disappearing altogether from memory. The Experience, when recorded, creates a living memory of your Experience.
When watching the recording, there is a unique opportunity to sit outside ourselves and witness ourselves. This can lead to profound insights which facilitate us staying in touch with what we want from our life.
What qualifies you to be a Listener?
Listening is a crucial skill that improves my life. Listening intently has helped me in many careers, i.e., as a counsellor to students in the educational programs I built. As a counsellor in a business, I ran thirty years ago. In all my business relations and social circles, I was valued for being a leader who could align people with a common purpose. My resume is eclectic, yet a common theme in my business and personal life is people I meet consistently remark, "You're a good listener."
I like that about myself. There isn't yet formal training to be a Listener; I invented this high-impact service modality. That is why I offer the Discovery Call and your first Experience at no charge. Your experience will be the best way to determine if what I offer will be of value to you.
Many people will never consider Therapy, but I have valued immensely from using licensed Therapy services. For those who choose that Therapy is not for them, Listening may be the service they can find support that works for them. I will always be clear if I am not the right person to support you.
Your local health authority will have information on accessing licensed therapeutic services in your community.
How should I prepare for Zoom calls?
Ensuring you have a private space and a stable internet connection is essential to the success of Zoom sessions. It is something that you can plan for and troubleshoot in advance. Our Zoom Call works best in Chrome, so having that downloaded and ready to go is essential.
Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule by email, text or logging into the online booking. There is a 24hr cancellation policy, so please give enough notice; otherwise, you'll be asked to pay 50% of the cost of the Experience you booked.
How often will we meet?
This is entirely your choice. Everyone has different needs and goals from participating in Listening Experiences. You determine how you will use resources like time, money and energy. You can set up regular standing appointments weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Other people like flexibility and prefer to drop in as needed.
What if I can't afford the regular rate?
I have some sliding-scale spots available. Feel free to inquire whether any are available if you are in financial need.
Who benefits the most from Listening services? Does this sound like you?
This service appeals to people:
who are lifelong learners.
who can accept support.
who has the capacity to act on new information when it arrives.
who responds to having a person who will act as an accountability partner.
who are willing to see themselves clearly, even though what is seen may be uncomfortable to acknowledge.
I'm ready to answer any questions if you are curious about what being listened to will give you.
'Listening' is a new caring service I created for our modern times.
By providing Listening Experiences, I create a place where you're seen and listened to. Being heard is essential for our well-being.
Your experience will be unique, just as you are. Some people have described the experience as therapeutic. Listening Experiences are not therapy. What you'll discover, I can not know. Many come to find accountability support for their projects and growth.
Suppose you are in the care of a therapist or are on active treatment with drug therapy for mental health issues. In that case, carefully review the information offered during the discovery call. You may decide to speak to your licensed healthcare professional and discuss with them that you are considering a Listening Experience.
The closest descriptor that would describe what I do from a healthcare professional's perspective is I am a caring coach.
Please note: you must fill in an intake form, including a liability waiver. Service will only be provided to persons participating in a Discovery Call and filling in the intake form.
On that call, we can explore if Listening is a good action step for you to consider.