Although the benefits of listening is often emphasized in discussions on effective communication and societal relationship in general, it is not so often practiced with a deep degree of seriousness or attention. As a result of this, individuals who are wrongly assumed to be listening, end up acting differently than expected thereby causing the onset of confusion and conflict that otherwise would have been avoided. In the therapy setting, clients are often geared towards self-expression through communication, though there are certainly other methods of therapy that involve expressions of a different kind. Individuals who are part of Group counseling sessions, therefore quickly come to learn the unique importance behind talking and listening as well during sessions of group therapy.

By ensuring that each member of the group has enough ample time to air his emotions and opinions with fellow group members, group leaders are able to ensure that self expression is benefited by all. However, when the structure of group therapy is considered, as well as the number involved, members of these groups end up listening to others than they do talking. Being involved with group therapy sessions provides really rewarding results especially when discussions are directed on key issues and subjects that are discovered to be central in interest to all the participants involved.

A general view by the public is that genuine success through therapy can only be attained with the efforts direct actions—speech or otherwise—all of which must be directed at effecting change. While this is certainly true in some cases, it is also possible to effect healing with the use of observation, thought, and other processes that are usually ignored as insignificant . The use of listening as therapeutic method lies amongst these often ignored methods, and using its effect, people are able to learn how to better associate with people as well as address their own problems.