Couples Therapy for Communication
Couples therapy is often as much about understanding the body language of the couple as it is about what they are saying. The body is a powerful tool and, unless you‘ve had super-spy training, it does not lie. The slight pause, the narrowing of the eyelids, the lack of eye contact and the withdrawal from a simple kiss, all of these are very physical signs that mirror what we are feeling. Most often, what we are saying does not mirror much beyond what we want that mirror to show.
Body language is subtle, and an experienced couples therapist is well versed in seeing the tell-tale signs of how a couple is communicating, no matter what they are saying.
Here is one way in which you can begin to look at your own body language when communicating with your spouse:
Tone of voice
Your tone of voice can convey a wealth of information, ranging from enthusiasm to disinterest to outright anger. You can begin to understand what you are communicating non-verbally by concentrating on how your tone of voice affects how others respond to you. Try using tone of voice to emphasize ideas that you want to communicate. For example, if you want to show genuine interest in something, express your enthusiasm by using an animated tone of voice.
If you and your spouse are trying to say all the right things to convey how you feel, but are not able to ever feel like you are communicating, see what your non-verbal body language is saying and how couples therapy may be able to help.
Related Posts
- Communication and Vulnerability
- Non Verbal Communication and Counseling for Couples
- Couples Counseling and Nonverbal Messaging
- The Assumptions of Communication in Couples Counseling
- Methods of Communication in Marriage Counseling
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Oftentimes couples aren’t even aware of the nonverbal messages they are sending their partners until it is pointed out to them in couples therapy. This article is a great reminder that nonverbal communication is just as important to success in relationships as is verbal communication!
True. Good point. Nonverbal messages are extremely important. Thanks for commenting.