Video Summary - 6 Tips for Active Listening #LittleThings

Key wellness & self-care / supportive listening strategies (6 tips)

Ask open questions
- Use open-ended prompts (how, what, where, who, why) instead of yes/no questions.
- Example: Replace “Has this been going on a long time?” with “How long has this been going on?”
Summarise
- Restate what the person said to show you’re listening and that you understand their situation.
Reflect (repeat key words/phrases)
- Repeat a word or phrase they used to invite them to continue and expand their thoughts.
- Example: If they say “It’s been really difficult recently,” echo “really difficult recently.”
Clarify
- Gently ask for more detail (e.g., “Tell me more about that”) to confirm understanding and help them articulate their point.
Give words of encouragement
- Use supportive prompts like “Go on” or “I see” to help them feel safe continuing.
Don’t rush to fill silence + react appropriately
- Let quiet moments sit—silence can give them space to think and process feelings.
- Respond with empathy (you don’t have to be perfectly neutral), e.g., acknowledge their experience: “You’ve had an awful time.”

If they may be at risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, help them seek medical attention immediately:
- Accompany them to a hospital / A&E
- Or call 999 or 112 for emergency services