Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Professional Listener?

Let me begin by explaining what a Professional Listener is not: A Professional Listener is not a psychologist, a mental health counselor, or a life coach. A Professional Listener does not diagnose or treat. What a Professional Listener does do is listen in a completely objective manner. A Professional Listener allows you to feel acknowledged and heard. In a sense, a Professional Listener acts as a mirror that reflects yourself back to you. You will never be judged, ridiculed or made to feel less-than, and no topic is ever off the table. This is a no-holds-barred opportunity for you to get whatever it is that’s on your mind off your chest.

What can I expect from a listening appointment with you?

We meet online at our allotted time, I will greet you and then ask you an opening question (like, “What’s on your mind today?” or “What’s going on?”) and we can go from there! Oftentimes, just beginning to talk (or type), about almost anything, will lead you down interesting roads. Or you might have something very specific you want to talk about. If you want feedback on anything, you simply ask me for it but remember: I’m not here to give you advice. I’m here to listen to you and sometimes mirror back what you’ve told me. When the session is over, I will tell you that our time is up and we will say goodbye until next time. That’s all there is to it. Remember that this isn’t about analyzing you or your behaviors. There is no judgement and you have complete confidentiality.

Why should I pay someone to listen to me when I can just call a friend or family member?

The answer to this is multi-fold: First, calling a friend or family member might not always be the best option when you just want to be listened to. You may end up receiving unsolicited advice or even walk away feeling like you were judged negatively because, as well meaning as friends and family can be, they can’t be objective.

Second, perhaps it’s difficult for you to ask to be listened to because you don’t want to sound needy. It’s a very common predicament (and one that I’m personally very familiar with.) Knowing that the sole purpose of our meeting is to allow you to talk about anything you want to talk about removes that “I feel needy and I don’t like it” issue.

Third, think of this as just another service that you employ to enhance your well-being, like going for a massage. We probably wouldn’t ask our friend or family member to give us a massage even though they may be capable of it. Instead, you go to a professional where you can let your guard down.

What should I talk about?

Whatever you want. This is all about you! There are no parameters and no subject is off the table. Remember: This is completely confidential.

I feel like a loser having to pay someone to listen to me.

Being listened to is beneficial for your overall health and well-being. And in this increasingly disconnected world that we live in, where the people closest to us are constantly looking at their phones while you’re vying for their much-needed attention, I’d argue that being listened to is actually crucial to living a more contented life. Needing to be listened to doesn’t make you an oddball or a loser: It makes you a human being.

Do we have to talk on video?

Absolutely not! While I do think it’s useful to see who it is you’re talking to, if that makes you uncomfortable, then we can have an audio meeting or just meet via text. Whatever works best for you.