Listening requires a great awareness of self, words, facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and eye contact. This article examines the importance of these factors in the development of the therapeutic relationship. Among some of the characteristics of effective listening treated here are qualities within the client/therapist relationship, therapist responsibility and assumptions, which include self-knowledge and risk taking, and client responsibilities. In the client/therapist relationship, the elements of trust, empathy, and respect are essential; good listening skills can enhance these aspects of therapeutic interchange. The therapist must pay special attention to such things as self-knowledge, knowledge of non-verbal communication, development of trust, guiding clients through the counseling process, and confrontation skills. The therapist must also be able to resist the urge to force the client to change lest he or she miss hearing why the client's present condition exists. Likewise, the therapist should avoid assuming that he or she knows the feelings and thoughts of the client, and should refrain from predicting a client's response. Therapists should work to develop tactics for redefining client resistance and encouraging clients to explore their pain. Listening involves more than just hearing, it also requires hearing, seeing, expressing, and feeling. (RJM)