Communication
Some thoughts by David Bridges.
Ring Bridges Counselling if you wish to discuss how we may be able to help you.
Communication is the most cited problem by couples in marriage counselling. Related to it is conflict resolution, and a breakdown in mutual understanding and respect.
The counsellors at Bridges Counselling often work with emotions, attachments and experiences, as gateways to change. Following are some principles for an emotionally focused approach with couples.
Healthy Communication
What does healthy communication look like? A very basic model is the following:
- the first person shares their perspective, their reality
- the second person listens and acknowledges
- this continues until the first person feels understood
- the second person reacts or responds
- the first listens and acknowledges
- the second person continues until they feel understood
Blocks to Communication
There are many reasons why the above is blocked or derailed:
- emotions are overwhelming or out of control
- not being in touch, or able to own or express deeper feelings
- not being able to quarantine past hurt or abandonment
- not having worked through past pain, abuse or trauma
- unrealistic expectations learnt from the past
How Couples Counselling can help
What couples counselling can provide is a near-real-life setting for a couple to safely experience new breakthroughs in communication, guided and refereed by the couples counsellor. This often comes when one or both share at a deeper vulnerable or authentic level. Then negative communication patterns can be replaced by healthy patterns.
While this may sound simple, in reality the blocks described above may take to time work through, especially when abuse or negative patterns have been going on for years.
If a couple discovers they can deeply and authentically relate again, they can start to resolve most or all issues on their own.
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Enquiries: 9683 1444
Ring us and we will recommend the best counsellor qualified and experienced for your situation.
Bridges Counselling Parramatta is a team of professional counsellors and psychologists, specialising in:
Bridges Counselling is located just 3 km from Parramatta, Carlingford and Northmead - and 6 km from Baulkham Hills and Merrylands. See our Location map.
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