The Power of Active Listening in Addiction Recovery
Episode Overview
Active listening fosters deeper connections and effective addiction treatment. Motivational interviewing focuses on 'why' rather than 'how' people change. Empathy and acceptance are crucial for successful therapy. Understanding clients, even imperfectly, can be profoundly healing. Therapist attitudes significantly impact client outcomes.
Being understood is a healing component to human interaction.
Dr. Theresa Moyers, a seasoned expert in motivational interviewing, joins Geoff Kane and Erin Wessel on Beyond the Two Pillars of Recovery to unpack the 'why' behind behaviour change. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Moyers shares her deep understanding of how active listening can transform addiction treatment and enhance personal connections.
She delves into the essence of motivational interviewing (MI), a method that shifts focus from 'how' to 'why' people change, fostering internal motivation rather than relying solely on expert advice. The episode brims with anecdotes and real-life examples, including a compelling story about a 'confirmed smoker' that illustrates the power of genuine conversation and empathetic listening. Dr. Moyers also highlights the significance of therapist attitudes and skills in successful addiction treatment, underscoring the importance of empathy, acceptance, and positive regard.
Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone looking to improve your relationships, this episode offers valuable insights into the art of listening and understanding. Tune in to learn how even imperfect attempts at understanding can be profoundly healing.