Practical Book Review Petersen

Practical Book Review One:

James C. Petersen, D. Min.
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Presented to

Rev. Mario Garcia, Jr., Ph.D., J.D.

Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

Lynchburg, VA

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In Partial fulfillment

Of the requirements for the course

PACO 500 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling

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By

Odell Joiner

November, 2011

Hey

Petersen, James C. 2007. Why don’t we listen better? Communicating and connecting in relationships. Tigard, OR: Petersen Publications.

"I observed that while other avoided grumpy people, all I had to do to reduce their grump-factor was to ask questions and let them tell me their stories. ... I also found that after I paid enough attention
Peterson) takes into consideration the human body as contributing factors in the communication process: the stomach, the heart and the head. The stomach is attributed as the location of feelings. "Healthy heart functions give and receive concerns..." (12) The heart "put" everything together and the "options and possibilities". (12)
And finally, the head functions as the source for rationalization of information.
Talker-Listening Process: The Talker-Listening Process establishes the roles in the communication process. The "talker" is attributed as the "owner of the problem" and the "listener" role is understand and allow the "talker" to share their feelings and thoughts. Additionally, Dr. Peterson provides "Talker-Listener Cards" (TLC) which outlines and reminds each other (talker and listener) of their responsibilities within the communication process. After the foundations of "Flat-Brain Theory" and the Talker- Listener Process is established and thoroughly explained, Dr. Peterson "shifts gears" into a more practical communication methods. Dr. Peterson provides insightful guides and suggestions for the reader to employ in their effective communication practices. The perspective reader evaluate and use the methods outline in his book to develop their own effective communication strategies and concepts regarding counseling others.
Peterson highlights the importance of effective communication. Early in my life I thought that "getting" point across was the most important principle concerning communication. In using the concepts outlined in this book, I would evaluate myself as fallen prey to the "Flat-Brain Theory". The relevance of Dr. Peterson work is that it correlates Kollar's and Hawkins' work. Each illuminates the importance of the perspective counselor first understanding themselves such as knowing their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. Before a perspective counselor can assist others, he/she must address their own personal egocentricities. A valid question that could accompany Dr. Peterson's work would be: Based upon your understanding of the "Flat-Brain Theory", do you find yourself in this particular category? ; If so, what are some practical approaches you could take to remedy the "Flat-Brain Theory"? Understanding each component of the "Flat-Brain Theory assist in my understanding of in identifying potential prohibiting factors of communication. If I can identify the condition of my stomach (feels/emotions), my heart (processing of information) and my head (logical) , I can readily identify the condition of others that I may