I Listen, You Talk

Sidewalk Talk, brainchild of Bay Area therapists Traci Ruble and Lily Sloane, organises groups of volunteer- "listeners," trains them and sends them into the streets. The first event took place on May 7 in San Francisco, where about 30 listeners chatted up strangers in 12 locations. I want people to feel like its OK to need help and its OK to need people to talk to and have that moment of reflection, said Sloane, of Lily Sloane Therapy. Its the idea that anyone can listen.

Motivated by the idea, our psychology students started the 'I LISTEN, YOU TALK' campaign at our School on 9 and 10 October 2015 as our initiative on the occasion of World Mental Health Week. The students were provided training in listening skills by school counsellor Ms. Sukhmeen Cheema which included.

Using minimal encouragers small signals or words that let the speaker know you are listening and understanding words like uh-huh, yes, no, mmm, and little actions like nodding that show you are engaged in listening. Using open body language helping make the speaker feel comfortable and safe with you. Repeating some of the speakers words, or a phrase, to help prompt them to say more. Paraphrasing putting what the speaker says into your own words. Summarising putting in a nutshell, in a sentence or two, what the speaker has been talking about over an extended period. Mirroring the speaker adopting aspects of their body language, voice tone and language to develop rapport and help them feel more at ease. Reflecting picking up on the speakers feeling or mood and feeding your perceptions back to them. Using silence so that the speaker has a respectful space to stay with their feelings and to work up to what they want to say. Questioning skills when and how to use questions to help the speaker to open up and tell you more.

Students arranged chairs facing each other near the playground area, some held up banners propagating the messages, "I Listen , You talk" and You matter. The trained students sat at their respective places. As soon as the recess started there was a rush of students, wanting to share, talk, vent. There were stories of fights with their best friends, their dreams, aspirations, etc to name a few. Our students were trained to identify problems that required deeper intervention which was to be referred to the counsellor.

The speakers experienced a catharthic effect by venting their emotions and the listeners experienced an empowering effect as they could see smiles on the relieved faces of their juniors.

On popular demand we are considering making this a regular event at School.

Ms. Sukhmeen Cheema.