Communication
The most common complaint heard in marriage and family therapy is, "We just don't communicate." Learning to communicate with respect, clarity, and kindness is one of the most important life skills you can gain. It can help generate not just a happier family life, but better results at work, at school, and in friendship.
The quality of a relationship is generally determined by the quality of the communication in that relationship. Learning what works - and what doesn't - in communication is the beginning of improving your most important relationships - at home, at work, and elsewhere. The resources in this section teach clear, practical strategies for improving communication - even with people who might be very different from you.
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Best Books on Communication
These are our favorite books on improving communication:
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey
- Your Happiness Toolkit: 16 Strategies for Overcoming Depression, and Building a Joyful, Fulfilling Life
, by Carrie M. Wrigley
- The Feeling Good Handbook, by David D. Burns
- You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation, by Deborah Tannen
- How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
- Your Perfect Right: Assertiveness and Equality in Your Life and Relationships, by Robert Alberti, PhD
- How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends, by Don Gabor
, by Carrie M. Wrigley-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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For more books on additional topics, please visit our Best Books Catalog.
Handouts on Communication
(All in PDF format)
1) 2-Way Communication Process. Outlining the process of effective commuication between sender and receiver.
2) Bonding Talk / Strategy Talk. 2 contrasting communication styles, often leading to misunderstandings between men and women.
3) 3 Communication Styles. Comparing aggressive, passive, and assertive styles of communication.
4) Elements of Communication. Communication isn't just about the choice of words. Why you can't not communicate.
5) Bad Communication. 12 communication patterns that are guaranteed to increase conflict and disconnection.
6) I Messages Vs. You Messages. How they're different, and why one facilitates effective commmunication better than the other.
7) Sharing Sensitive Feedback: The "Oreo Cookie Technique." For sharing information on potentially difficult topics.
