The experience of being listened to: a human becoming study with music

The purpose of this research was to discover the structure of the lived experience of being listened to from the perspective of 10 older women receiving in-patient rehabilitation. The Parse research method was used to guide this study where music was used in the dialogical engagement process. The women told their stories and created melodies of being listened to with the researcher using her flute. The findings include three core concepts--an acknowledging engagement, gratifying contentment, and an unburdening respite. Findings extend the theory of human becoming, enhance understanding of the experience of being listened to, and affirm its value.