Can you recall a really good conversation you’ve had? What was memorable about it? Was it the topic, the words, or just a feeling it left you with? Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you […]
Positive outcomes from therapy and counseling rely on the strength of the relationship between the mental health professional and the client. Such connections build on effective communication: what we express and how we express it (Wachtel, 2011). Establishing empathy with clients requires a high degree of insight and a strong […]
Are you a good listener? Do you wonder if you could be better? Good listeners can stay present and engaged with what is being said. This article will describe a listening technique called active listening. It’s useful in building therapeutic relationships and creating empathy. You will learn the benefits of […]
While we often consider verbal and nonverbal communication as distinct or even in opposition to each other, they are, in fact, closely entangled. Verbal communication is explicit, and nonverbal implicit. The latter makes up as much as 90% of communication and includes how spoken language is delivered, along with postures, […]
Our emotions result from our interactions with the environment and each other, guiding us through the many and varied situations we encounter in life and motivating us to do what is needed to reach our goals (Greenberg, 2016). What do we do when we cannot express our emotions? And how […]
Families are surprisingly resilient, usually able to withstand and recover from severe conflict between family members and quickly return to familiar interactive patterns (Goldenberg, 2017). It is perhaps unrealistic to expect that relationships remain harmonious all the time; occasional disconnections and disagreements are a fact of life that can help […]
Conflicting goals, motives, and needs can cause stress in any relationship, particularly a romantic one. While conflict is not uncommon, if left unresolved along with related stress, it can damage the bonds that form between people (Overall & McNulty, 2017). If we accept that all partners will disagree at times, […]
People are suffering. Social and personal complexities have amplified anxiety and depression, pushing people to their limits. How can we help a hurting person? Beyond basic survival, people need a sense of belonging and to feel safe, valued, and respected. There is good news. Each of us can offer relief […]
In 1956, sociologist Erving Goffman wrote The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. In it, he introduces the concept of dramaturgy, which compares everyday social interactions to actors' portrayals of characters, suggesting that one’s social interactions are analogous to a string of varying performances (Ritzer, 2021). Goffman’s work also included […]
As teams grow in complexity, becoming more diverse, dynamic, and dispersed, organizations are searching for ways to improve their performance. Research over the past 15 years has found that a successful team needs a clear direction, strong structure, supportive environment, and shared mindset (Haas & Mortensen, 2016). These four enabling […]
An assertive person makes a point clearly and calmly, with confidence. They accept that they may have more to learn and, therefore, fear neither challenge nor a difference in opinion. They consider their own needs as necessary, and while coming across as assured, they are definitely not aggressive. While communicating, […]
Is the way that we communicate violent? If we define violence as causing harm to ourselves and others, then much of the way we communicate with each other may fit this characterization. All human beings have an innate capacity for compassion, but it is easy to become detached from this […]
For many, speaking up for oneself is easier said than done. And while it may be uncomfortable, assertiveness is a communication style linked to a wide range of positive outcomes across multiple settings. This article will describe what it means to be assertive, why it is so important, and how […]
Gaslighting is emotional manipulation that leaves its victims confused and despondent as they question their sanity. This article will shed light on the gaslighting phenomenon, its consequences, and what to do about it. Ultimately, by exposing gaslighting tactics and equipping victims with valuable knowledge and resources, victims will be empowered […]
Psychotherapy is, at its heart, a process of guiding clients from conflict to resolution. As a therapist, counselor, or coach, your main job is to help clients identify the situations that are troubling them – the conflicts in their lives – and guide them through to win–win solutions. Mutually satisfying […]
If you’re looking for a resource that’s rich with ideas, tips, and exercises that will help you become a better communicator and improve your relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn about how important communication is in a relationship and […]
Our world is in a communication crisis. Kids spend astounding amounts of time on their electronic devices and with this shift, they are losing their skills in how to communicate their needs—with their own voices. Picture the kids you know having no access to wi-fi. There might be a revolt […]
We live in an information-driven society, where communication determines how fast we learn. Cooperation and collaboration underpin how we work together, and done brilliantly, can determine our competitive advantage. At the human level, our social resources play a massive part in our happiness and well-being in the workplace. We can […]
We love connecting with other people because it makes us happy—good communication is the key when it comes to positive social interaction. But what does a healthy conversation look like? How can you avoid over-communicating? And how can you improve communication in a romantic relationship? Read on for a summary […]
Julian Treasure claims that we are losing our hearing. Maybe he has a point. With personal broadcasting replacing the art of conversation, and silence becoming a scarce resource, we have forgotten how to listen. It is time to focus again and practice the skill of mindful listening. Not only because […]
