Active listening, a method that owes its development to Thomas Gordon, is a critical method of listening in communication. It is a type of listening in which the listener provides feedback to the speaker in the context of content and emotions. In other words, active listening does not consist of repeating the exact words of the speaker, but rather allows the listener to ensure that the speaker knows and understands them thoroughly by paraphrasing his words, accepting the speaker's feelings and stimulating the speaker to explore those thoughts and feelings. Active listening is a powerful method and is appropriate in many different situations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay. For example, a person going through a traumatizing or painful situation does not seek solution messages from his listener; messages that convey to the speaker what he should do or feel in that particular situation. The listener is not in their situation and cannot give them solutions, because he cannot, at that moment, put himself in the speaker's shoes. Furthermore, the speaker in that case is not looking for suggestions, but rather the comfort that someone can sympathize with him and understand him. Active listening, therefore, is perfect for situations in which the speaker seeks comfort through someone who truly understands and listens to them. Instead of telling your friend, whose grandmother just died, that don't worry, she's in a better place, and that she was suffering anyway, and that it's better this way, with active listening, you'd say that your grandmother was a great woman, and I remember the strong bond you had, I feel sorry and sorry for you, or something like that. Something that lets him or her know that you understand where he or she is coming from and that you either agree with him or her or disagree with him or her.