Communication Skills
Are you having trouble seeing eye to eye?
Talking is easy. Communicating is hard.
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As human beings, we have a deep need to connect, to be heard, and to be understood. But all too often other things get in the way: distractions, emotional baggage, bad moods, difficult topics, hurt feelings, judgment, fear, frustration, or just not knowing how or where to begin.
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Good communication is foundational to good relationships of all kinds.
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Good communication: ​
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Respects dignity
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Fosters trust
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Enhances understanding
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Creates cooperation
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Encourages creativity
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Overcomes animosity
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Addresses important issues
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Aids in problem-solving
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Provides clarity
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Reduces errors
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Teaches and uplifts
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Opens the door to discovery
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Builds bonds of friendship
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Adds richness and joy to life
Yet, with all the communication tools and media we have at our fingertips, it seems that people are feeling more disconnected than ever. It's all too easy to miss each other, to talk past each other, to fall into unhealthy communication patterns, or just not talk at all. We seem to have lost the ability to communicate well.
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Good communication skills benefit individuals, couples, families, leaders, relationships, and organizations of all kinds. Start communicating more effectively today!
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In counseling, I can teach you:
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The principles of CLEAR communication:
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Congruence​
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Listening
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Empathy
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Authenticity
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Respect
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How to start a conversation off right
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How to recognize others' bids for connection
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How to talk so others can listen and understand
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How to own your feelings and communicate your needs
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How to listen for and reflect back others' feelings
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How to keep conversations in the present
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How to work as a team to solve or work around problems
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How to communicate love, concern, and attachment, even in conflict
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How to identify and counteract your inner critic
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How to strengthen relationships
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How and why to establish healthy boundaries – and have them speak for you
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How to know when it's best not to talk
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How to de-personalize problems and avoid defensiveness
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How to process the aftermath of an argument
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How to manage stress, take a time-out, and calm down
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How and why to hold a weekly couple meeting
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How to hold effective and productive family meetings
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How to approach difficult conversations
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How to create an environment where it's OK to take responsibility for mistakes and correct errors
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How to foster trust and encourage honesty
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And more!
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Finally, counseling is a wonderful place to go if you simply need to talk and feel heard. If you need a place to think out loud, to process your experiences, to speak your truth, or to better understand your feelings, give me a call.
