"We cannot care without listening. If we do not listen, we do not care. Dietrich Bonhoeffer stated that the first service we owe to others in fellowship is to listen them. If we fail to listen, there are spiritual consequences because as he says, " … he who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God either. " This wise observation comes from Robert J. Wicks, who specializes in the treatment and mentoring of professional helpers, and Thomas Rodgerson, director of the Baltimore Baptist Counseling Service. Their intent in this paperback is to show how to enhance personal talents in listening, being totally present, dealing with crises, and knowing when and how to refer people to other caregivers.
Wicks and Rodgerson share their ideas about conversation with a goal, the art of questioning and responding, the different stages of a caring exchange, and caring enough to refer. The authors also have some very good advice on ways to deal with burnout that comes to those who day by day help others deal with major crises. Wicks and Rodgerson end by answering a serious of tough questions about caregiving.
