Active Listening Techniques by Nixaly Leonardo LCSW Summary
Discover the 30 practical tools that transform conversations in "Active Listening Techniques." Beyond basic communication, Leonardo reveals how silence becomes power and cognitive distortions sabotage relationships. What could you hear if you truly listened? Your relationships might never be the same.
About the author
Nixaly (Leonardo) Yakubov, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, communication skills expert, and author of Active Listening Techniques: 30 Practical Tools to Hone Your Communication Skills.
With over 15 years of experience in mental health, she founded Practical Online Therapy, where she specializes in relationship dynamics, anger management, and ADHD coaching using evidence-based approaches like CBT and trauma-focused interventions.
A published author of three self-help books, Yakubov distills clinical insights into actionable strategies, particularly in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. Her work is informed by therapeutic modalities such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and solution-focused brief therapy, which she applies in her New York-based practice serving individuals, couples, and families.
Active Listening Techniques reflects her mission to equip readers with practical tools for professional and personal growth, featuring exercises adopted by mental health professionals and relationship coaches. The book has been recognized for its accessible integration of clinical expertise with real-world applications, published in 2020 by Callisto Media as part of her broader body of work on interpersonal effectiveness.
FAQs About This Book
Active Listening Techniques provides 30 practical tools to improve communication by mastering skills like paraphrasing, emotional labeling, and conflict navigation. It emphasizes empathy, nonjudgmental listening, and real-world applications for personal and professional relationships, helping readers foster trust and understanding.
Nixaly Leonardo is a licensed clinical social worker and communication expert. Her book combines therapeutic insights with actionable strategies, drawing from her experience to create a structured guide for enhancing listening skills and resolving emotionally charged situations.
This book suits professionals, couples, and individuals seeking stronger interpersonal connections. It’s particularly valuable for managers, therapists, and those navigating conflicts or career challenges, offering adaptable tools for everyday communication.
Yes—readers praise its practicality, with exercises like mirroring and validation that are instantly applicable. Reviewers highlight its clear structure and effectiveness in improving workplace dynamics and personal relationships.
Key methods include:
- Paraphrasing to confirm understanding
- Emotional labeling to identify feelings
- Nonverbal cue analysis (e.g., body language)
- Validation to acknowledge perspectives
- Mirroring to build rapport
The book provides frameworks to de-escalate tensions, such as separating facts from emotions and using “I” statements. It teaches readers to manage biases and refocus conversations on collaborative problem-solving.
Unlike theory-heavy texts, Active Listening Techniques prioritizes actionable tools over abstract concepts. Its structured exercises and conflict-management focus distinguish it from broader self-help books.
- Listening requires active engagement, not passive hearing.
- Suspending judgment fosters deeper understanding.
- Nonverbal cues often reveal more than words.
- Practicing validation strengthens trust
Yes—each chapter includes scenarios and “Put It Into Practice” sections. Examples include role-playing difficult conversations and journaling to identify listening barriers.
The tools help managers conduct effective feedback sessions, resolve team conflicts, and build psychological safety. Employees learn to articulate needs clearly and interpret colleagues’ unspoken concerns.
Its therapist-designed approach bridges clinical methods with daily interactions. The 30-step system allows gradual skill-building, making complex concepts accessible to non-experts.
Some readers note the strategies may feel repetitive if familiar with communication basics. However, its structured format and real-life examples make it a valuable refresher.
The book teaches “emotional first aid” tactics, like labeling feelings before problem-solving. It also advises managing one’s own reactions to stay present during charged discussions.
Absolutely—couples learn to avoid defensive listening, while parents gain tools to understand children’s unspoken needs. The focus on empathy strengthens intimacy and reduces misunderstandings.
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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
12117"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
12108"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
25417"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
964.5K"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
20116"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
37483"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
12117"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
12108"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
25417"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
964.5K"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
20116"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
37483"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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