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Couples counselling: How to overcome communication difficulties

Couples counselling: How to overcome communication difficulties

We tend to think that the arguments we have with our partner are unique to “us”. But actually research shows that the same patterns play out over and over in everyone’s relationships – and WHAT you argue about isn’t nearly as important as HOW you argue (or fight or disagree). The drama in the relationship of so many couples revolves around a powerful struggle between partners that plays out over months, years and even decades. They find themselves totally stuck.

Understandable and valid!

My previous blog looked at six of the most common (and destructive) communication patterns that ALL OF US fall into. it’s important to recognise that the moves we make to get our needs met are completely understandable and valid. So are the moves our partner makes. Each person’s moves are equally valid within the background context of their relationship history and their own personal history.

The moves we make deeply hurt and (perhaps unconsciously) frighten our partner. Likewise, their moves deeply hurt and frighten us. Both partners are equally hurt and frightened, though they might experience and respond to those feelings in very different ways.

We make the moves we do, and we are so strongly impacted by our partner’s moves, because we are so very important to each other. Ironically, when it seems we don’t matter, or aren’t cared for, when our partner seems distant or unavailable to us, or when our partner seems resentful or angry with us, it’s often because deep down our partner is feeling the disconnection as well.

Switch from react to reflect

A classic form of help comes from switching from reacting to reflecting. When you’re having a conflict, before you disagree, try telling the person you’re speaking with what you heard them say. Research shows that when you’re in a disagreement, you’re generally capable of repeating what the other person said for only 10 seconds. After that, you go into your rebuttal or tune out. But it’s important to repeat what was said so they feel acknowledged.

“What I’m hearing you say is that when I do this at these moments, you feel X.” 

It’s also helpful to use a method developed by relationship scholar John Gottman and colleagues (see YouTube talk below) called an XYZ statement: When you do X in situation Y, I feel Z.

“When we’re out with friends (X) and you criticise me or argue with me, (Y) I feel really hurt and angry.” (Z)

So you’re not telling the person that’s what they are doing, you are telling them how you are feeling.  You can argue with how a person defines you but not with how a person feels. This also helps defuse escalating fights because it forces you to slow down and think about what you’re trying to say, and then the other person has to repeat it.

Next comes validating and empathising. People fight because they want to feel that they matter, that the other person respects what they’re going through. A simple “I can see where you’re coming from” is deeply validating. When your experience is acknowledged, you feel sane.  What it all comes down to is this:

The two of you don’t have to agree, but you do have to acknowledge that there’s another person who experiences the event very differently from you. 

It makes sense that you would feel unappreciated if you experience my always being late as a lack of investment or a sign I’m taking you for granted. If I had interpreted my action that way, I could see myself feeling that way too. But that was not where I was coming from.”

Suddenly, you’re not arguing anymore. You are holding on to your truth yet are able to acknowledge that there’s another person who has another interpretation of the same event.

Need some advice and support?

If you are struggling with any of the issues raised in this article, or indeed any other emotional issues or life challenges and would like to talk things over in complete confidentiality, call Alison Winfield, Mindfully Well Counselling Cork on 087 9934541.

 

Book a counselling session today!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKTyPgwfPgg An excellent video by John Gottman, one of the most highly respected relationship experts

I also recommend anything by couples expert Esther Perel:

https://www.estherperel.com/podcast A series of excellent podcasts on all aspects of couples counselling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iu9_8Vsmtk and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa0RUmGTCYY   Two great videos

 

See also: Couples Counselling – Are You Feeling Stuck?  Couples Counselling: Listening Skills, Couples Counselling: Key Communication Skills