Very often in life people do not feel that they are really heard and this is because most people do not really know how to listen.  You may be thinking that it's obvious how to listen but in fact, it's quite a skill!

There are many issues around not feeling heard such as feeling that no one cares or that we don't exist.  It also takes great courage to really speak about how we are feeling because it often means that we go into a vulnerable place.  It is only possible to do this when we feel very 'safe' and feel that what we say will be heard without any kind of judgement.

With regards to listening, most people that are 'listening' are usually already planning their response to what is being said before the person has finished speaking.  Listening involves hearing both the words that are spoken but also the energy/body language behind those words and giving 100% attention until the person has finished speaking. 

Experience has shown me that Sharing Circles can be incredibly powerful in giving people a 'safe' space to find the courage to speak and in creating a space where people begin to learn to listen.