Hearing Values in Communication
Listening deeply is often overlooked, yet it can be one of the most powerful tools in building understanding and connection, especially in therapeutic settings.
At The Harvest Clinic, we believe in truly "playing it by ear" when it comes to hearing the values that resonate beneath a client’s words. This approach involves actively listening for what really matters to them – a method that not only fosters connection but also unearths the values that give their lives meaning.
Our unique process, known as Values Sound Tracking (VST), focuses on identifying core values embedded in clients' expressions. VST is built around tuning in to three essential aspects of communication: Purpose, Pain, and Passion. Here’s how we tune in to these values and explore them together with our clients.
Clarifying Values: Hearing Values in Communication
Tuning Into Purpose
One of the most rewarding moments in therapy is when clients speak about something that gave them a sense of purpose or meaning, whether it’s a personal achievement or a way they contributed to someone else’s life.
Purposeful experiences often hold hidden values. When we, as clinicians, tune into these moments, we can guide clients to recognize and connect with their deeper motivations.
For instance, if a client shares about a time they helped a friend or worked towards a challenging goal, we listen beyond the words.
We ask questions like;
“What did achieving that mean for you?” or
“How did it feel to contribute in that way?”
By tuning into their sense of purpose, we reveal values they might not have consciously recognized.
Hearing the Pain
As Kelly Wilson said, “Values and vulnerabilities are cut from the same vessel.” Pain often brings our deepest values into sharper focus. Emotions like anger, frustration, or sadness can signal underlying values that feel threatened or unfulfilled.
For instance, a client who feels anger over a colleague’s mistreatment might hold strong values of fairness or respect.
In these moments, we pause and reflect: “It sounds like this situation impacted you deeply. Could it be that fairness or respect is something you really value?”
This approach allows clients to identify their values within their vulnerabilities, transforming pain into a path toward understanding their inner compass.
Noticing Passion
Our clients’ passion often emerges in the subtle shifts in their voice, posture, and expressions when they talk about something meaningful. Passion is a window into their values – the things that energize and excite them. By noticing these physical cues, we invite clients to explore what lies beneath.
When we sense this shift, we may say, “I noticed your tone changed when you started talking about [topic]. It seems like there’s a lot of passion there. What do you think is driving that?” This gentle invitation encourages clients to dig deeper, uncovering what truly matters to them and aligning their actions with their values.
Listening & Exploring Together
The heart of our approach at The Harvest Clinic lies in listening and exploring together. As therapists, we’re not simply passive listeners; we’re active participants, guiding clients to connect with their values through reflective pauses and open exploration. When we hear the threads of purpose, pain, or passion in their stories, we take a moment to explore these with curiosity and empathy.
For example, we might say, “I could be mistaken, but I noticed a shift in your posture and voice when you started talking about [topic]. It made me think that [value] must be really important to you. Is there any truth to that?” This approach helps clients feel heard and validated, creating a safe space for them to discover their values more fully.
The Power of Tuning In
Values Sound Tracking (VST) isn’t just about listening – it’s about creating a therapeutic environment where clients can uncover the guiding principles behind their thoughts and emotions. By tuning in to purpose, pain, and passion, we help clients understand themselves on a deeper level. This awareness empowers them to make choices that align with their values, fostering resilience and a sense of fulfillment.
At The Harvest Clinic, we’re committed to helping our clients connect with their values, guiding them to a more meaningful and value-driven life. Through this process, we support them in building a stronger, more compassionate relationship with themselves and the world around them.
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