Listening is indirect help, passive help. It’s helping simply by existing

Not in my experience. The listener is helping the speaker organize their thoughts, work through their feelings, and (in some cases) decide on a course of action. The listener needs to ask questions, understand the speaker, and help them sort things out.

In a spouse or friend situation, the listener is probably also providing emotional support. Which can be immensely helpful, since it validates the speaker.

There’s also follow up. The listener should talk to the speaker and see how their feelings have evolved.