MEERS, INC. Consulting Psychologists is a family practice of psychology with an emphasis on consultative, wellness, and psycho-educational approaches for all ages. Each of our psychologists has numerous years of experience.

Our website offers greater access for our clients, and provides information and education regarding psychological issues to prospective new clients and visitors.

As a free service to those who visit our website, we post numerous articles written by our psychologists.  These articles address a variety of psychological topics, offer practical and useful information, and serve as introductions to our professional staff members.

When was the last time that you “had a good listening to?” Really.  It seems that some people want to do all of the talking.  Other well-meaning friends, relatives, and business associates may seem too busy or distracted to really listen.  Attempting to be politically or socially-correct, you might be reluctant to open up and share your thoughts and feelings because it might be judged to be inappropriate, self-centered or just “dumping” on others.  Usually friends, family members (whose skills for listening vary widely) are willing to listen, but then offer judgments, biased opinions, or unwanted recommendations.  We might feel obliged to follow, or refute with the possibility of creating conflict or of seeming ungrateful for the recommended solution.  Sometimes, you might just want someone to really listen.  What should you do?  Should you give up on having someone listen to you and consider it a lost cause?  Should you just consider it your fate and conclude that there are “givers and takers” and that you are just born to be a giver?  Please DO NOT do this because giving up is not most adaptive and it denies a very valid and important need….to have someone listen.

Why is listening important?  We need someone to listen because it is a legitimate human need and a form of “being validated” as a person.  Listening and being listened to, is an essential method of human connection.  It helps us hear and evaluate our own thoughts and feelings…as we “bounce them off” of another skillful and compassionate listener who has no apparent agenda of their own.  This process is not only helpful for achieving emotional and social needs, but it facilitates good decision-making. How often have you tried to have someone listen to your rationale about how to approach a challenge or to make a decision…only to have them interrupt you…and have you regret that you involved them at all?  It is common that individuals report in a consultation session that they presented a dilemma or concern to their spouse or friend…only to realize subsequently, that they now have two problems.  The first is the original concern and the second is that they regret involving a friend who now must be managed too! 

At Meers, Inc. Consulting Psychologists, we realize how important it is to be a compassionate, skillful, objective, and professional listener.  Sure, we have lots of ideas and solutions and examples of how others view the world and solve problems.  However, we realize first that it is your turn to have someone Listen to You.  For more than twenty-five years, the consulting psychologists and staff at Meers, Inc. have listened to individuals, couples, and families in the Central Ohio area.  While we are professional health service providers, who strive to facilitate good general and psychological health, but primarily we meet with our clients to facilitate “optimal” levels of life performance and satisfaction.  It starts with “a good listening to!”

“Jerry” Meers
D. Jerome Meers, Ph.D.