Listening for the Corroborative Echo: What Carl Rogers Taught Us

Abstract

ABSTRACT This commentary recounts the process of training in Carl Rogers’ methods of listening within the psychotherapeutic process. Rogers’ leadership rejected the two dominant schools of psychological thought that existed in North America half-way through the 20th century: behaviorism and psychoanalysis. His brand of humanism valued self-direction, which moved his trainees away from practices built around helping people through asking probing questions, giving information, making interpretations and delivering reassurance. Instead, his technique stressed expressing authentic empathy along with a fresh encapsulation of the content being spoken. This prompts the speaker to process their emotions and confirm accurate understanding with a “corroborative echo.” There is wisdom in Rogers’ theory of listening that is often over-simplified and misapprehended. This essay raises questions about how to master this nuanced skill and whether this proficiency can be preserved for future generations.