On active listening in person-centred, solution-focused psychotherapy

According to Rogers a therapist can foster growth in the client by creating a facilitative climate but can also undermine and inhibit that growth through evaluative and judgemental listening (Rogers, 1957, 1959, 1995). This paper uses conversation analytic research methods to examine how a person-centred, solution-focused psychotherapist actively listens to her clients using continuers and in doing so supports them and keeps them speaking in a way appropriate to the therapy. Specific styles of listening became evident by investigating the vocal aspect of the listening activity made manifest through continuers. It was found that both positive and negative features of the therapist's listening style can be explicated by examining how therapists use continuers. The possibility that different schools of psychotherapy use continuers differently is considered.