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| Hi. I'm Peter Stimpson, Director of Trinity Counseling Service. Welcome to our new website. While the look has changed, rest assured that our dedication to serving you remains the same. At TCS, you will find 3 ingredients: 1. Clinical Expertise, 2. Exceptional Experience, and 3. Compassionate Care. When you need help, we are here for you. So, linger a moment, explore what we offer, and always feel free to email me with any of your questions or concerns at pks_tcs@msn.com. In Friendship, Peter |
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COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR COUPLES
Want to get closer? Want to love vs. fight?
Then here are a few "Do's" and "Don'ts" to help you.
DO
1. Attend: Face each other. Look into one another's eyes. Sit relatively close, and if you are really brave, hold hands.
2. Non-Verbal Communication: Notice & comment upon vs. ignore non-verbal behaviors (a tear, sigh, grunt, etc.)
3. Paraphrase: Summarize the main thought and feeling of the other, trying to reach empathy (to feel with the other) vs. sympathy (to feel for the other).
DON'T
1. Interrupt: "Yes, but" means that you are not listening, but instead trying to prepare your defense. Remember, the goal is intimacy, not victory.
2. Mind-Read: Ask, but do not tell, someone how they are feeling.
3. Name Calling: Do not attack the character, family, major interests (work, hobby), or appearance of the o ther.
4. Postpone Indefinitely: Talk it out within 24 hours -- don't let it fester.
5. Tit-for-Tat: Stick to the main issue vs. "Oh yeah, well you did this!"
