Effective communication forms the cornerstone of healthy relationships, fostering deeper connections and nurturing romance. The Bay Area CBT Center recognizes the vital role that clear and open dialogue plays in couples therapy, helping partners express their emotions and understand each other better. According to the American Psychological Association, strong communication skills can significantly enhance relationship satisfaction and longevity. In this article, we’ll explore various aspects of communication in relationships, from identifying your communication style to recognizing signs of both effective and poor communication. Keep reading to discover practical strategies for improving your interpersonal connections and strengthening your bond with your partner.
Key Takeaways
- Effective communication is crucial for building trust and intimacy in relationships
- The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on developing essential communication skills
- Understanding attachment styles can improve relationship dynamics and communication patterns
- Utilizing empathy and active listening strengthens emotional bonds between partners
- Recognizing and avoiding negative communication patterns is essential for healthy relationships
What Kind of Communicator Are You?
Understanding one’s communication style is crucial for fostering deeper connections and improving relationships. By assessing personal communication patterns, individuals can identify their strengths and weaknesses, recognizing how their verbal and non-verbal cues impact interactions. This self-awareness enables people to adapt their approach, potentially avoiding destructive patterns like the “four horsemen of the apocalypse” in marital communication. Whether engaging in an argument or sharing valuable knowledge, enhancing communication skills can lead to more meaningful and satisfying relationships. The bay area cbt center offers resources to help individuals recognize and refine their communication styles, promoting healthier interactions in various aspects of life.
Assessing Your Communication Style
Assessing one’s communication style involves a comprehensive evaluation of verbal and non-verbal behaviors exhibited during interactions. This process requires introspection and a willingness to receive feedback from others, allowing individuals to gain insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. The Bay Area CBT Center offers tools and techniques to help clients identify their communication patterns, fostering self-awareness and promoting more effective interactions.
Understanding personal communication styles can significantly impact conflict resolution skills and overall relationship satisfaction. By recognizing their unique approach, individuals can develop strategies to enhance their communication abilities, leading to increased confidence in various social situations. The Bay Area CBT Center incorporates principles of positive psychology to guide clients in developing ways to improve communication skills in relationships, ultimately fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding.
- Identify verbal and non-verbal communication patterns
- Seek feedback from others
- Recognize strengths and areas for improvement
- Develop strategies to enhance communication abilities
- Apply positive psychology principles to improve relationship satisfaction
Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses in communication is essential for fostering meaningful dialogue and improving relationships. A skilled therapist at the Bay Area CBT Center can guide individuals through this process, helping them identify patterns in their conversations that may be causing pain or discord. By understanding these patterns, people can develop strategies to leverage their strengths and address their weaknesses effectively.
In the context of modern capitalism, effective communication skills are crucial for both personal and professional success. The ability to engage in productive dialogue can lead to better problem-solving, increased empathy, and more satisfying relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center offers resources to help individuals develop these skills, enabling them to navigate complex social dynamics with confidence:
| Communication Aspect | Strength | Weakness | Improvement Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | Attentive to others | Interrupting | Practice pausing before responding |
| Emotional Expression | Open about feelings | Overwhelming intensity | Learn emotion regulation techniques |
| Conflict Resolution | Seeks compromise | Avoidance of confrontation | Develop assertiveness skills |
The Impact of Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in conveying feelings and intentions, often speaking louder than words. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of paying attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice in fostering deeper connections. By developing awareness of these non-verbal cues, individuals can better understand their own emotions and those of others, leading to more meaningful interactions.
Mastering non-verbal communication skills can enhance one’s ability to express gratitude, empathy, and understanding, even in challenging situations. The Bay Area CBT Center provides guidance on interpreting and utilizing non-verbal signals effectively, helping clients navigate complex social dynamics. This approach contrasts with the rigid communication styles often associated with authoritarian systems like communism, promoting instead a more open and expressive mindset that values individual experiences and emotions.
Adapting Your Style for Better Connection
Adapting one’s communication style to better connect with others requires self-awareness and flexibility. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of recognizing when frustration or the silent treatment may be hindering effective communication. By identifying these barriers, individuals can work towards establishing a more open and honest communication channel with their partners, friends, or colleagues.
Achieving better communication in marriage often involves learning to express one’s truth in a way that promotes understanding and empathy. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on how to adjust communication styles to foster deeper connections and resolve conflicts more effectively. This approach can help couples move beyond surface-level interactions and create a stronger, more resilient relationship:
| Communication Style | Characteristics | Adaptation Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Assertive | Direct, honest, respectful | Practice active listening, use “I” statements |
| Passive | Avoids conflict, self-sacrificing | Develop confidence, express needs clearly |
| Aggressive | Domineering, confrontational | Learn empathy, practice patience |
| Passive-Aggressive | Indirect, resentful | Address issues openly, communicate feelings directly |
Communication styles significantly impact our relationships. Discover how understanding your communication style can transform your interactions and lead to more fulfilling connections.
Benefits of Communication in Relationships
Effective communication serves as the cornerstone of healthy relationships, offering numerous benefits that enhance overall well-being and satisfaction. By cultivating active listening skills and approaching conversations with genuine curiosity, individuals can develop better communication skills in their relationships. This improved dialogue fosters a deeper understanding of each other’s reality and behavior, leading to less rumination, greater intimacy, reduced conflict, and the building of trust through open dialogue. The Bay Area CBT Center provides valuable resources and guidance to help couples and individuals develop these essential communication skills, ultimately strengthening their connections and promoting more fulfilling relationships.
Less Rumination
Effective communication in relationships can significantly reduce rumination, a cognitive process often associated with major depressive disorder. By openly expressing thoughts and feelings, individuals can process emotions more efficiently, reducing the tendency to dwell on negative experiences. The Bay Area CBT Center offers strategies to help clients improve their communication skills, focusing on tone and body language to convey messages clearly and reduce misunderstandings that may lead to excessive rumination.
Cognitive behavioral theory suggests that changing thought patterns can alter emotional responses and behaviors. By improving communication, individuals can challenge negative perceptions and gain new perspectives on situations, potentially breaking the cycle of rumination. The Bay Area CBT Center provides tools to help clients develop healthier communication habits, fostering a more positive outlook and reducing the likelihood of engaging in excessive rumination:
- Practice active listening to fully understand your partner’s perspective
- Express thoughts and feelings clearly and assertively
- Use “I” statements to take ownership of emotions
- Seek clarification when unsure about the intended message
- Regularly check in with your partner to ensure mutual understanding
Greater Intimacy
Effective communication serves as a powerful motivator for building greater intimacy in relationships, reducing the risk of resentment and misunderstandings. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of open and honest dialogue in fostering deeper connections, helping couples develop coping strategies for navigating challenges together.
By improving communication skills, individuals can create a safe space for vulnerability, leading to increased emotional and physical intimacy. This enhanced connection often translates to other areas of life, including employment satisfaction, as partners feel more supported and understood in their personal and professional pursuits.
Less Conflict
Effective communication in relationships, particularly in marriage, can significantly reduce conflict and foster a more harmonious partnership. The renowned relationship expert John Gottman emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s partner through active listening and observing facial expressions. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on developing these crucial communication skills, helping couples navigate disagreements with empathy and respect.
Research has shown a strong correlation between improved communication and decreased conflict in relationships. By learning to express needs and concerns clearly, while also being receptive to their partner’s perspective, couples can create a more supportive and understanding environment. The Bay Area CBT Center provides tools and techniques to help individuals and couples enhance their communication skills, leading to more productive discussions and fewer misunderstandings:
| Communication Skill | Impact on Conflict | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | Reduces misunderstandings | Reflect and paraphrase partner’s words |
| Emotional Awareness | Prevents escalation | Recognize and name emotions |
| Constructive Feedback | Promotes problem-solving | Use “I” statements and focus on behavior |
| Non-verbal Cues | Enhances understanding | Pay attention to body language and tone |
Building Trust Through Open Dialogue
Building trust through open dialogue forms the foundation of strong relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of maintaining eye contact and practicing nonviolent communication to foster empathy and understanding between partners. These techniques help reduce stress and create a safe space for honest expression, allowing individuals to explore ways to improve communication in their relationships.
Open dialogue encourages partners to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. By actively listening and responding with empathy, couples can build a deeper connection and strengthen their bond. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on developing these essential communication skills, helping individuals navigate difficult conversations and cultivate trust in their relationships.
While effective communication forms the bedrock of healthy relationships, it’s not a panacea for all issues. The Bay Area CBT Center recognizes that some challenges require deeper exploration and targeted therapeutic approaches beyond just improving dialogue.
Communication Doesn’t Solve Everything
While effective communication is crucial for building strong relationships, it is not a panacea for all interpersonal challenges. The Bay Area CBT Center recognizes that various factors beyond verbal exchanges influence relationship dynamics, including nonverbal communication, personal history, and external stressors. In some cases, such as infidelity or severe marital discord, professional therapy may be necessary to address deep-seated issues. Leadership within relationships often requires more than just open dialogue, as actions and behaviors play a significant role in fostering trust and respect. Recognizing the limits of communication alone can help individuals and couples identify when additional support or alternative approaches may be needed to navigate complex relationship issues, including those that might lead to divorce.
Other Factors Play a Role
While improving communication in relationships is crucial, other factors significantly influence relationship dynamics. Emotional intimacy, for instance, relies not only on verbal exchanges but also on non-verbal cues, shared experiences, and mutual understanding. The Bay Area CBT Center recognizes that fostering deeper connections often requires addressing underlying issues through family therapy or individual counseling.
Compassion and empathy play vital roles in nurturing healthy relationships, extending beyond mere words. Sarcasm, even when intended as humor, can erode trust and create emotional distance between partners. The Bay Area CBT Center helps clients navigate these complex interpersonal dynamics, addressing not only communication patterns but also the broader context of relationship health.
Recognizing When to Seek External Support
Recognizing when to seek external support is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. While communication is essential, sometimes issues run deeper than surface-level conversations can address. The Bay Area CBT Center offers online couples therapy, providing a safe space for partners to explore their concerns with professional guidance, especially when silence or a breakdown in trust threatens the relationship.
External support becomes necessary when communication patterns between partners or within a family unit become destructive. A therapist can help navigate complex dynamics, such as when a parent struggles to connect with their child or when text messaging replaces face-to-face conversations. The Bay Area CBT Center provides resources to help individuals and couples identify when professional intervention may be beneficial:
| Warning Signs | Potential Interventions | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent misunderstandings | Communication skills training | Improved clarity and understanding |
| Recurring conflicts | Conflict resolution therapy | Healthier problem-solving strategies |
| Emotional distance | Emotional intimacy exercises | Increased closeness and connection |
| Trust issues | Trust-building interventions | Restored faith and security in the relationship |
The Limits of Talking It Out
While communication forms the cornerstone of healthy relationships, research suggests that talking alone cannot resolve all issues, particularly when contempt or deep-seated resentment exists between partners. The Bay Area CBT Center recognizes that in some cases, couples may need to address underlying emotional wounds or incompatibilities that extend beyond verbal exchanges.
Gable’s research on intimate relationships highlights the importance of shared experiences and non-verbal expressions of desire in fostering connection. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes that effective communication should be complemented by actions that demonstrate care, respect, and understanding, as words alone may not suffice in rebuilding trust or reigniting passion in long-term partnerships.
Great communication transcends mere problem-solving. Let’s explore the hallmarks of exceptional communication in relationships that foster deep connection and understanding.
Signs of Great Communication in Relationships
Effective communication serves as the foundation for strong, healthy relationships, fostering deeper connections and promoting overall mental health. The Bay Area CBT Center recognizes that great communication encompasses various elements, including active listening, empathy, positive reinforcement, and transparent sharing. These skills not only help manage anger and resolve conflicts but also contribute to a culture of understanding and compromise within relationships. By developing these communication strategies, individuals can enhance their connections with others and create a supportive environment for personal growth. Mental health professionals at the Bay Area CBT Center offer guidance in cultivating these essential communication skills, enabling couples and individuals to build more fulfilling and resilient relationships.
Active Listening and Empathy
Active listening and empathy form the cornerstone of effective communication in relationships, fostering emotional intelligence and deepening connections between partners. By cultivating awareness of their own and their partner’s emotions, individuals can overcome fear and create a safe space for open dialogue. The Bay Area CBT Center provides guidance on developing these essential skills, helping clients enhance their overall relationship satisfaction and emotional well-being.
Health professionals at the Bay Area CBT Center emphasize the importance of active listening and empathy in building stronger relationships. These skills not only demonstrate intelligence but also contribute to a more compassionate and understanding partnership. By practicing active listening and empathy, couples can navigate challenges more effectively and create a supportive environment for personal growth and mutual understanding.
Positive Reinforcement and Appreciation
Positive reinforcement and appreciation play crucial roles in fostering healthy communication within relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and validating partners’ efforts and achievements, creating a supportive environment that encourages growth and mutual respect. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) at the center guide couples in developing strategies to incorporate genuine praise and gratitude into their daily interactions.
Consistent positive reinforcement can significantly impact relationship satisfaction and overall well-being. The Bay Area CBT Center, like other therapy platforms such as BetterHelp, recognizes that expressing appreciation for small gestures and personal qualities can strengthen emotional bonds and promote a more positive outlook on the relationship. By cultivating a habit of recognizing and articulating each other’s strengths, couples can build resilience and maintain a strong foundation for effective communication.
Conflict Resolution Strategies
Effective conflict resolution strategies form the backbone of healthy communication in relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of addressing disagreements constructively, focusing on finding mutually beneficial solutions rather than assigning blame. By approaching conflicts with empathy and a willingness to understand different perspectives, couples can transform potentially divisive situations into opportunities for growth and deeper connection.
Couples who excel at conflict resolution often employ techniques such as active listening, “I” statements, and time-outs when emotions run high. The Bay Area CBT Center provides guidance on developing these skills, helping couples navigate challenging conversations with greater ease and understanding:
| Conflict Resolution Strategy | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | Fully focusing on and understanding partner’s perspective | Reduces misunderstandings and promotes empathy |
| “I” Statements | Expressing feelings without blaming or criticizing | Decreases defensiveness and encourages open dialogue |
| Time-Outs | Taking breaks during heated discussions | Allows for emotional regulation and clearer thinking |
| Compromise | Finding middle ground solutions | Demonstrates mutual respect and willingness to collaborate |
Transparent and Open Sharing
Transparent and open sharing forms the foundation of trust and intimacy in relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment where partners feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or rejection. This level of openness allows couples to address potential issues early on, preventing misunderstandings and resentment from building over time.
Couples who practice transparent communication often report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and emotional connection. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on developing effective strategies for sharing vulnerable information, such as past traumas or current insecurities, in a way that strengthens the bond between partners. By fostering an atmosphere of honesty and acceptance, couples can navigate challenges more effectively and build a resilient, long-lasting relationship.
But what happens when communication falters? Let’s explore the flip side and examine the signs of poor communication in relationships.
Signs of Poor Communication in Relationships
Recognizing signs of poor communication is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of addressing communication issues early to prevent long-term damage. Common indicators of problematic communication include avoiding difficult conversations, engaging in blame and criticism, using silence as a defense mechanism, and making unfounded assumptions. These patterns can erode trust, create emotional distance, and hinder problem-solving within relationships. By identifying and addressing these communication pitfalls, couples can work towards developing more effective and supportive dialogue, ultimately strengthening their bond and fostering deeper connections.
Avoidance of Difficult Topics
Avoidance of difficult topics often signals poor communication in relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center recognizes that partners who consistently sidestep challenging conversations may inadvertently create a barrier to intimacy and understanding. This avoidance can stem from fear of conflict, anxiety about potential outcomes, or a desire to maintain superficial harmony.
Left unaddressed, avoidance behaviors can lead to unresolved issues and mounting tensions within the relationship. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on developing strategies to approach sensitive subjects constructively, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for open dialogue. By learning to navigate difficult conversations, couples can foster deeper connections and build resilience in their relationships.
Blame Games and Criticism
Blame games and criticism often indicate poor communication patterns in relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes that constantly attributing fault to one’s partner or engaging in harsh criticism can erode trust and intimacy. This destructive cycle often stems from unresolved issues or a lack of effective problem-solving skills.
Recognizing and addressing these negative communication patterns is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on developing more constructive ways to express concerns and frustrations, focusing on specific behaviors rather than attacking character. By learning to communicate needs and grievances without resorting to blame or criticism, couples can foster a more supportive and understanding environment:
- Identify triggers that lead to blame or criticism
- Practice using “I” statements to express feelings
- Focus on specific behaviors rather than generalizations
- Develop empathy and active listening skills
- Learn to take responsibility for one’s own actions and emotions
Silence as a Defense Mechanism
Silence as a defense mechanism often indicates poor communication in relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center recognizes that when individuals consistently withdraw or remain silent during conflicts, it can create emotional distance and hinder problem-solving. This behavior may stem from fear of confrontation, anxiety about expressing emotions, or a learned response to stress.
Breaking the pattern of silence requires developing healthier communication strategies. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on expressing emotions constructively and creating a safe space for open dialogue. By addressing the underlying causes of silence and learning to engage in difficult conversations, couples can foster deeper connections and build more resilient relationships:
| Causes of Silence | Impact on Relationship | Strategies to Overcome |
|---|---|---|
| Fear of conflict | Unresolved issues | Practice expressing concerns calmly |
| Emotional overwhelm | Emotional distance | Learn emotion regulation techniques |
| Learned behavior | Communication breakdown | Develop new communication patterns |
| Anxiety about vulnerability | Lack of intimacy | Create a safe space for sharing |
Misinterpretations and Assumptions
Misinterpretations and assumptions often plague relationships, leading to unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of clear, direct communication to prevent these issues from escalating. By learning to check assumptions and seek clarification, couples can avoid the pitfalls of miscommunication and build stronger, more trusting relationships.
Cognitive distortions, such as mind-reading or jumping to conclusions, frequently contribute to misinterpretations in relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center offers strategies to help individuals recognize and challenge these thought patterns, encouraging open dialogue and mutual understanding. By developing skills to address misinterpretations and assumptions directly, couples can create a more supportive and harmonious partnership.
Poor communication can damage relationships, but hope exists. Discover five powerful strategies to transform your interactions and deepen your connections.
5 Ways to Improve Communication in Relationships
Enhancing communication in relationships requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both individual and interpersonal dynamics. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s attachment style, practicing mindful presence, and utilizing effective communication techniques to foster deeper connections. By focusing on personal growth, avoiding destructive patterns, and aligning with shared relationship goals, couples can create a foundation for open and honest dialogue. Incorporating empathy into daily interactions further strengthens the bond between partners, leading to more fulfilling and resilient relationships. These strategies, when implemented consistently, can transform the way couples communicate and navigate challenges together.
Consider Your Attachment Style
Understanding one’s attachment style plays a crucial role in improving communication within relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of recognizing how early experiences shape adult attachment patterns, influencing how individuals connect with and respond to their partners. By identifying their attachment style, whether secure, anxious, or avoidant, individuals can gain insight into their communication tendencies and emotional responses.
This self-awareness allows couples to develop strategies that address potential communication barriers stemming from attachment-related behaviors. The Bay Area CBT Center provides guidance on how to navigate these challenges, helping clients cultivate more secure attachment patterns and foster healthier communication dynamics within their relationships. By addressing attachment-related issues, couples can create a foundation for more open, honest, and emotionally supportive interactions.
Be Fully Present
Being fully present during interactions forms the cornerstone of effective communication in relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of minimizing distractions and focusing entirely on one’s partner during conversations. This practice fosters a deeper connection and demonstrates genuine interest and respect for the other person’s thoughts and feelings.
Mindfulness techniques can help individuals cultivate presence in their interactions. By paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, partners can better understand each other’s perspectives and respond more empathetically. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on developing these skills, helping couples create a more supportive and attentive communication environment.
Use “I” Statements
Using “I” statements is a powerful communication technique that promotes self-awareness and reduces defensiveness in conversations. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of this approach in fostering healthier relationships by encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own feelings and experiences. By framing thoughts and emotions in terms of personal perspective, partners can express themselves more effectively without placing blame or making accusations.
Implementing “I” statements in daily interactions can lead to more productive discussions and conflict resolution. The Bay Area CBT Center provides guidance on how to structure these statements effectively, helping clients communicate their needs and concerns in a non-threatening manner. This approach creates a safer emotional environment for open dialogue, allowing partners to address issues constructively and build stronger connections:
- Start statements with “I feel” or “I think” to express personal emotions and thoughts
- Focus on specific behaviors rather than generalizations
- Avoid using “you” statements that may sound accusatory
- Express needs or desires clearly and directly
- Practice active listening when receiving “I” statements from your partner
Avoid Negative Communication Patterns
Recognizing and avoiding negative communication patterns is crucial for fostering healthy relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of identifying destructive behaviors such as criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, which can erode trust and intimacy between partners. By consciously avoiding these patterns, couples can create a more supportive and understanding environment for open dialogue.
Developing alternative communication strategies is essential for breaking free from negative patterns. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on implementing positive techniques, such as active listening, expressing appreciation, and practicing empathy. These approaches help couples build stronger connections and navigate conflicts more effectively, ultimately leading to more satisfying and resilient relationships.
Focus on Your Relationship Goals
Focusing on shared relationship goals can significantly enhance communication between partners. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of aligning individual aspirations with collective objectives to foster a sense of unity and purpose. By regularly discussing and reassessing these goals, couples can ensure they are working together towards a common vision for their relationship.
Effective goal-setting in relationships requires open and honest communication about expectations, desires, and potential challenges. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on developing clear, achievable objectives that reflect both partners’ values and aspirations. This collaborative approach to relationship planning can strengthen bonds and improve overall satisfaction:
- Identify short-term and long-term relationship goals
- Discuss individual expectations and find common ground
- Create a plan to work towards shared objectives
- Regularly review and adjust goals as needed
- Celebrate milestones and achievements together
Utilizing Empathy to Deepen Connection
Utilizing empathy in communication is a powerful tool for deepening connections in relationships. The Bay Area CBT Center emphasizes the importance of putting oneself in their partner’s shoes to truly understand their perspective and emotions. By cultivating empathy, individuals can respond more compassionately and effectively to their partner’s needs, fostering a stronger emotional bond.
Practicing empathetic communication involves active listening, validating emotions, and responding with understanding. The Bay Area CBT Center offers guidance on developing these skills, helping couples create a safe and supportive environment for open dialogue. By consistently employing empathy in their interactions, partners can build trust, reduce conflicts, and enhance overall relationship satisfaction:
- Practice active listening without interrupting
- Validate your partner’s emotions, even if you disagree
- Ask open-ended questions to gain deeper understanding
- Reflect back what you’ve heard to ensure clarity
- Respond with compassion and support
