Listening Well: The Art of Empathic Understanding with William R. Miller, Ph.D.

The interpersonal skill of accurate empathy is a learnable ability with over 60 years of scientific evidence for its value in improving client outcomes. Though sometimes regarded as a “nonspecific” factor in counseling and psychotherapy, it is in fact well-specified and reliably measurable. It is the most studied of Carl Rogers’ three “necessary and sufficient” therapeutic conditions for change. Prof. Miller has been studying and teaching accurate empathy for over 40 years, and it is a foundational skill in his well-known clinical method of motivational interviewing.

Empathic listening has also been shown to improve outcomes in cognitive-behavior therapy. More generally, it is a valuable skill in interpersonal relationships, and one that he has often taught to clients, paraprofessionals, and clergy. This 6-hour workshop will use a “tell-show-try” approach, with explanation, demonstration, and ampleexperiential practice of component skills.

The Presenter:

Dr. Miller is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico where he served as Director of Clinical Training and Co-founder of the Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions (CASAA). Fundamentally interested in the psychology of change, he has focused in particular on the development, testing, and dissemination of behavioral treatments for addictions. With 45 years of experience in research and treatment, he has served as principal investigator for numerous research grants and contracts, founded a private practice group, directed a large public treatment program, and served as a consultant to many organizations including the United States Senate, the World Health Organization, the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Institutes of Health. He maintains an active interest in the interface of spirituality and psychology. Dr. Miller’s publications include over 50 books and 400 articles and chapters, and the Institute for Scientific Information has listed him as one of the world most cited scientists.

Objectives:

1. Describe the skill of empathic understanding (accurate empathy) and at lease on way to measure it 2. Respond to a complex personal communication with at least three reflective listening statements in a row 3. Identify three points in a communication volley where misunderstanding can occur 4. Describe and demonstrate the difference between simple and complex reflection

Event Sponsors:

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