People often say that talking helps. But that is not quite accurate. Talking, on its own, does not always help. Many people talk a great deal and feel no clearer, no lighter, no more settled afterwards. They explain, recount, analyse, and rehearse, yet something remains unchanged. What makes the difference is not talking, but being listened to. When someone truly listens, something begins to organise inside us. Why Talking Out Loud Changes How We Think When we are alone, our