“Swoon” Show Notes: Episode #27 – Something to Talk About: Healthy Communication in Relationships

According to Gina and Julie communication is the number one issue couples come to their offices to sort out- but what that means is different in every duo. Join us this week to sort through the most common communication tips we wish everyone knew.

This episode covers:

• The most common communication issues that come up in relationships
• How to identify and address your communication defaults in relationships
• How to cultivate new communication skills
• What to do to break unhealthy or unwanted communication patterns
• How to deal with the inevitability of conflict in partnerships in healthy ways

Resouces from the Podcast

The High Conflict Couple, Alan Fruzzetti

Communication Skills Class

Action Steps

Begin thinking of communication as a practice and allow yourself to practice new skills. Talk about how you want to handle conflict in your relationship when you are not in the middle of a conflict.

Try implementing any of the following for one week:

• Set intentions for your conversation- especially the potentially tender ones. Identify a clear goal or hope before you begin talking.
• Try taking a pause or break when conflict gets heated. Set a clear timeline for when you’ll check back in and identify a phrase you’ll use to take a break well before you are in conflict. Find a place to collect your thoughts (like a journal) if you need to in order to respect the space your partner might need.
• Set aside a weekly check-in time for the two of you to touch base about your hot button issues proactively before they feel urgent.
• Practice giving your partner the benefit of the doubt. Start noticing when you are assuming something negative and challenge yourself to come up with two positive interpretations for every negative narrative you notice.

Your Swoon hosts

Gina Senarighi, MS, MA, CPC is a sexuality counselor and communication consultant specializing in healthy boundaries, passionate relationships, jealousy, and infidelity. She supports non-traditional couples all over the world as a retreat leader and certified relationship coach.
Connect with Gina

Julie Jeske, LPC is a sex and relationship counselor. She has a private practice where she helps clients increase intimacy, ignite passion and deepen their connection to themselves and others. Julie especially loves to help women discover who they are sexually. Through counseling, online classes, or in-person retreats; her clients learn how to talk about their sexual and relationship desires, and explore ways to make them a reality.
Connect with Julie

Jeff Guenther is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR.
Website