Communication Resources

Christian Counseling for Spokane Washington
Counseling for Individuals, Couples and Families

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Resources for Improving Communication

Christian Counseling for Spokane Washington
Counseling for Individuals, Couples and Families

Usually when couples or families come to my office for counseling, their presenting complaint is, "We just don't communicate well."

What they describe from their home is accurate, because effective communication is a tough skill to master. Listening well, especially when you do not like what is being said, is difficult. Talking so that people want to understand you is also difficult. Getting your point across at work can be as difficult as it is at home, and public speaking is still the number one fear in America (above death and disease!).

The materials you find in this section are simple tools and reminders of ideas you've heard or been using.

Maybe the most challenging aspect of communicating comes before anyone speaks; that's the desire to connect. Some people just want to be left alone; they've been hurt so badly so often that isolating seems the safest choice, like a survivalist off in the mountains. If you have the desire to communicate, or for starters, at least the desire to have the desire, then these handouts will head you in the right direction on your journey.

One reason people come to me for counseling is to have a safe place to try to communicate. My office becomes a laboratory for experimenting with opening up and talking about feelings not often shared. Some people discover their thoughts and emotions for the first time when they hear themselves disclosing them to me.

I think that I do my best therapy when I am in supervision learning more, and doing supervision for younger therapists who challenge me to learn even more. Maybe there is a parallel in your work, when you need to communicate with those in authority over you, as well as those you lead. The same principles that help people communicate in counseling apply to your work and home.

• Four Levels of Communication   (PDF)
  
• "I" Message Format: Assertive Communication Skills   (PDF)
  
• Now We're Talking!   (PDF)
  

If you would like more help listening so that people talk to you, and talking so that people listen to you, then please give me a call at 509-466-6632.