As a health care professional, I have learned how to listen to my participants in a much deeper way. I work with women who are severely obese and who have significant mobility limitations. Their personal stories are often not heard. Being in positions in which we provide education on nutrition, exercise, and healthier lifestyles, it is crucial that health care professionals learn how to listen with both mind and heart. We need to listen for clients' perceptions of their hidden fears about weight loss or weight management, their goals in life, and what actions they can take to realize change. Listen for information on values, boundaries, strengths, purposes, personal care habits, and medical issues. We must take the time to listen with our hearts and souls to better assist the people who seek our expertise and guidance.
Remember, "the mind covers more ground than the heart but goes less far."
Please contact Valerie Lawson at vlawson@uic.edu with any comments and/or suggestions.