When Listening Becomes Healing: The Practice of Radical Listening

Professor Christian van Nieuwerburgh (PhD) is a leading academic, consultant, and executive coach whose work bridges the worlds of coaching, positive psychology, and human connection. He serves as Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology at the Centre for Positive Health Sciences at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Ireland and as a Strategic Partner for the Instructional Coaching Group in the United States. He is a certified executive coach through both the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (Master Practitioner) and the International Coaching Federation (Professional Certified Coach). Christian is widely published in the fields of coaching and positive psychology. His many books include Coaching in Education: Getting Better Results for Students, Educators and Parents, An Introduction to Coaching Skills: A Practical Guide, and Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection, with Robert Biswas-Diener.

In this episode, host Shay Beider and Dr. van Nieuwerburgh explore the transformative ideas in his new book, Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection. Christian shares that listening is both a skill and an art and describes the importance of setting a positive intention before engaging with others. He outlines six core listening skills: the internal skills of noticing, quieting, and accepting, and the external skills of acknowledging, questioning, and interjecting. Throughout the conversation, Christian and Shay discuss how listening itself can be a powerful intervention—especially in healthcare settings, where being seen, valued, and heard can promote healing. Drawing from personal experience, Christian highlights the role of compassion and presence in true connection. The duo also explore barriers to communication and how simple acts of acknowledgment—what John Gottman calls turning toward bids—can build stronger bonds. This episode invites us to approach each conversation as an opportunity for connection, compassion, and shared humanity.

Listen to the complete episode by clicking the player above. Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing

Show Notes:

• Learn more about Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh

• Read his latest book "Radical Listening" here

• Read "Coaching in Education" here

• Look into "An introduction to Coaching Skills" here

This podcast was created by Integrative Touch (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch exists to alleviate pain and isolation for anyone affected by illness, disability or trauma. This includes kids and adults with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. The organization provides proven integrative medicine therapies, education and support that fill critical healthcare gaps. Their success is driven by deep compassion, community and integrity.

Each year, InTouch reaches thousands of people at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, both in person and through Telehealth. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a unique scholarship model called Heal it Forward that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate to Heal it Forward, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org