Listening and focusing: holistic health care tools for nurses

Abstract

This article explores the roles of two methods of holistic communication: active listening and focusing. Active listening is a technique used by the nurse to reflect on what a patient has said to him or her and can help patients feel more deeply and be understood better by the nurse. Focusing, a body-centered method for developing self-awareness, is a way of listening to feelings by becoming aware of body sensations that carry meaning about issues or concerns. This article includes four uses of focusing: (1) reducing stress, (2) creating better coping strategies (e.g., pain control, decision making), (3) making behavioral changes, and (4) developing a collaborative approach with patients. Clinical examples (mini-focusing moments) that demonstrate how listening and focusing may be integrated into daily nursing care are also included.