Listening Sessions

Listening Sessions are a tool most appropriately facilitated by agency staff or ad hoc committees.

On this Page:

Recommended Components ​PDF   Word
Facilitator Guidelines    ​PDF   Word 
​Conduct & Person-First Language  PDF  Word
Form (Sample):   PDF   Word

Recommended Components ​PDF   Word

1) Facilitators – Meet with small group facilitators in advance to review the “Facilitator Guide”, “Conduct” and "Person-First Language". (Facilitators can be behavioral health agency staff, or individuals from the community organization)
2) Room(s) that can accommodate small group conversation(s) (ideally no more than 6 people per conversation group). 
3) Opening remarks - At the beginning of the event, opening remarks should come from Organizational Leadership & Behavioral Health Staff, that includes

• Description of objectives, such as: To learn people’s personal experience (“stories”) related to behavioral health, including issues/gaps/barriers and successes in order to identify ways to increase effective behavioral health offerings to the community, including community practices known to the particular group to be beneficial to wellness.
• Explain “Listening Session” Format: Explain that we will break down into small groups of 6 people for ½ hour listening sessions.  Each group will have a facilitator (facilitator could be behavioral health staff or individuals from the community organization)

4) Closing Remarks - Reconvene everyone for closing remarks from Organizational Leadership and Behavioral Health Staff.

Facilitator Guidelines    ​PDF   Word ​
​for  1/2 Hour Small Group Discussions

1. Groups of 6 people or less (seated in circle if possible)
2. Everyone should have a chance to speak (up to 5 minutes/person)
3. Ask people to "Listen”, and not react to each other
4. We are looking especially for “Stories” around issues or successes. Stories have a beginning, a middle and an end.
5. Ask for permission to interrupt (to redirect, clarify, or allow next person to speak.)
6. Take notes and/or ask someone in the group to also take notes. People are also welcome to write their experiences on the colored paper provided. (Sample Form (Word), (PDF)

Form (Sample)  To be printed on colored paper   PDF   Word

Behavioral Health* Listening Session
 
We are seeking issues/feedback regarding gaps and successes in community behavioral health offerings (including behavioral health needs/services intersecting with children and youth, adults, older adults, crisis response, culture/race/ethnicity, employment, housing).
 
Gaps: Do you have a story regarding behavioral health issues affecting you, your family or your community?
___________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
Successes: Do you have a story regarding the successful impact of a behavioral health program?
___________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
 
Name (Optional)________________________________
* “Behavioral Health” includes conditions related to mental health and/or substance use (alcohol and drugs).