Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and showing that understanding through nonverbal and verbal cues. It requires setting aside your own thoughts and preparing a response and instead, concentrating on what the speaker is saying, both verbally and nonverbally.
Here’s a hypnotherapy script for practicing active listening:
Induction
(Soft, calming music starts playing. Speak in a gentle, soothing voice.)
“Welcome to this hypnotherapy session, where you’ll learn to practice active listening. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Imagine yourself in a peaceful environment, surrounded by calming colors and soothing sounds. Feel the weight of your body supported by the chair or the floor, and allow yourself to relax further with each breath.
As you inhale, imagine fresh, calming air filling your lungs. As you exhale, imagine any tension or stress leaving your body. Allow yourself to let go of any thoughts or worries, and simply focus on the present moment.
Deepening
“Now, imagine yourself walking into a serene forest, surrounded by tall trees and the soothing sounds of nature. With each step, you feel yourself becoming more relaxed, more calm, and more focused.
Notice the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the sensation of the air on your skin, and the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your body. Allow yourself to settle deeper into relaxation, feeling more calm and more centered with each breath.
Therapeutic Suggestions
“Imagine yourself in a conversation with someone, and see yourself giving them your full attention. Notice the sound of their voice, the tone, the pitch, and the volume. See yourself maintaining eye contact, and using non-verbal cues to show that you’re engaged and interested.
Notice the words they’re speaking, and allow yourself to fully absorb their message. See yourself avoiding distractions, such as thinking about your response or mentally preparing your next statement.
Instead, focus on the present moment, and allow yourself to fully understand the other person’s perspective. See yourself asking open-ended questions, seeking clarification, and seeking to understand their thoughts and feelings.
Notice how the other person responds to your active listening, and how you respond to theirs. See the conversation flowing smoothly, with both of you feeling heard and understood.
Reinforcing Active Listening Patterns
“As you continue to practice active listening, notice how you feel more connected and more empathetic towards others. See yourself understanding their needs, their desires, and their concerns.
Imagine yourself using reflective listening, paraphrasing what the other person has said, and reflecting back their emotions. See yourself using phrases such as ‘Just to make sure I understand, you’re saying…’ or ‘I hear you saying that…’.
Notice how your relationships improve, and how you feel more confident and more effective in your communication. See yourself handling challenging conversations with ease, and resolving conflicts in a constructive and respectful manner.
Visualization Exercise
“Imagine yourself in a conversation where you’re having difficulty understanding the other person’s perspective. See yourself taking a deep breath, and focusing on the present moment.
Notice the sensation of your feet on the ground, the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your body, and the sensation of your mind becoming more calm and more clear.
See yourself asking open-ended questions, seeking clarification, and seeking to understand the other person’s thoughts and feelings. Notice how the other person responds to your active listening, and how you respond to theirs.
Conclusion
“Take a moment to notice how you’re feeling now, after practicing active listening in this hypnotherapy session. Notice any shifts in your thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations.
Remember that you can access this feeling of calm, confidence, and active listening at any time, in any situation. Simply take a deep breath, focus on the present moment, and trust that you have the skills and abilities to listen effectively.
When you’re ready, you can slowly open your eyes, and return to your day with a renewed sense of confidence and listening skills. Take one final, deep breath in, and when you’re ready, you can slowly open your eyes.”
(Soft, calming music continues to play for another minute or two, before slowly fading out.)
