What is it?
Communication problems typically become evident through the consequences of lacking skills to express what we think or feel, which can range from stress, outbursts of anger and feelings of loneliness or sadness, to direct conflict with others.
Communication is not just what we say: it is also how we say it, when we stay silent and what our body does while we speak. Communication problems rarely stem from bad intentions, but from not having learned to identify what we feel or from relational patterns we learned before we were aware of them.
There are three styles worth knowing: passive communication (not speaking to avoid conflict), aggressive communication (imposing one's own point of view without considering the other person) and assertive communication (expressing what one thinks and feels with respect and clarity). Most of us oscillate between all three depending on the situation. Therapeutic work helps identify why we oscillate in each style and enables us to communicate effectively.
Expressing yourself well is a skill that can be improved through practice. It is not a fixed personality trait, but a trainable ability.
Signs
Some of the signs, in addition to those already mentioned, are:
- Arguments over "trivial things".
- Frequent misunderstandings.
- Difficulty expressing what we feel.
- Avoiding important topics.
- Feeling misunderstood.
- Lack of eye contact or closed body language.
- Almost always feeling attacked.
- Use of passive-aggressive language or hints.
How we work at PSINCRO
Communication is worked on primarily through assertiveness and emotional identification, with a series of guidelines and exercises to progressively improve our communication skills, understanding that expressing oneself well is a skill that can be improved through practice.
When a person learns to communicate correctly, they also learn to manage themselves emotionally, especially in relation to possible conflicts that may arise with others. As a result, frustration decreases, stress drops and irritability is much less present.
Learning to communicate in an optimal way is one of the best ways to get to know the people around us and a great help for getting to know oneself.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Assertiveness is not about being extroverted: it is about knowing how to express what you need clearly and respectfully. It can be developed regardless of temperament. Therapeutic work goes at each person's own pace.
Many people notice changes relatively quickly because assertive communication can be practised between sessions. The depth of change depends on how long the pattern has been present and in which contexts it manifests.
We will work primarily in individual format, but the patterns identified in therapy have a direct impact on communication with your partner, family or work environment.