Skills for Non-Judgemental Communication

The attitudes involved in non-judgemental listening are acceptance, genuineness and empathy. These are known as core conditions, because all are necessary to create a safe, comfortable environment which will enable the person to talk more freely.


The Effective Listener


Listening to the person talk about their situation may evoke a number of emotions within yourself; e.g. fear, irritation, sadness, etc. It is important that the listener continues to be open without you showing these feelings. At times this may seem difficult, depending on the relationship between the listener and the distressed person. But remember; you are offering the distressed person a place of safety based on respect, acceptance and understanding. After this encounter you may feel unsettled, shocked, confused, angry, etc., and will sometimes need to speak to someone yourself, but always remember to never divulge the identity of the person in crisis.


Listening skills


  • Listen without interruption.
  • Pay attention.
  • Listen not only to the words but pay attention to body language, speech and tone of voice. This will give you an indication on how they are feeling.
  • Summarise facts and feelings.
  • It's OK to have long pauses, sometimes with a’ Mmmm’ or ‘I see’ is all that’s necessary to keep a conversation going.
  • Remember; this is not about you. The focus must be on the person you are supporting.
  • Don’t turn the session around so it becomes your story, for example ‘when this happened to me.’ or ‘I went through the same thing.’


LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!