“Listening is an attitude of the heart, a genuine desire to be with another which both attracts and heals.”       Christopher J. Isham

As therapists, we listen. We listen to people talk about their lives, their struggles, their joys and sorrows. But how do we listen?

This talk will explore ways to cultivate a deep listening presence for our clients, and for ourselves. We’ll look at how the threads of intention, body awareness, and directed attention weave a tapestry of deep presence. By first offering this presence to ourselves we can quiet the mind, and allow our deepest wisdom to guide us with our clients. Mark Nepo writes to listen is “to lean in, softly with a willingness to be changed.” When we, as therapists, allow ourselves to be changed by our clients, the shared space becomes sacred, and the healing more profound.

Drawing upon the principles of mindfulness and existential–humanism, Grace will include poetry, stories, offer experiential exercises, and allow time for discussion.