If I had to name the skill I teach most in counseling sessions I think it would be communication. In the age in which we live we are constantly receiving and sending information. And, yet, for some reason so many of us do not possess the communication skills necessary to live our best lives now—lives where we feel heard, understood and validated. Just imagine knowing how to most appropriately and effectively share your thoughts and feelings at work, in your home and in your day-to-day relationships.

It is possible to learn and implement communication skills that will enable you to feel heard, understood and even empowered. However, I do believe there is an art to communicating and I try to teach that art to my clients seeking help in sharing their thoughts and feelings with others.

For years I have maintained this philosophy: “Most of the time you can say what you feel needs to be said as long as you do so in the correct way.” Now, this does not mean that you can tell your boss how annoying it is that he waits until Friday of each week to give you your biggest assignments and then expects them to be completed by Monday—meaning you spend most of your weekends working. Constructive communication means you find an appropriate way to share your feelings of frustration with your boss (and maybe some possible solutions too) and do so in a non-threatening, positive and kind manner. (I will share some more tips on communicating well in the personal blog on this piece.)

Whether it is a co-worker, a partner, a child, a family member or a friend, I know we can all think of at least one person we would like to communicate better with. Maybe in your difficult relationship you don’t feel you can share your thoughts or feelings. Or maybe you are really good at sharing, but do so in ways other people find hurtful.

Whatever communication conundrum you are dealing with a licensed mental health counselor can help you. An Orlando psychotherapist can help you learn, practice and implement communication skills that will improve both your relationships and overall quality of life. If you would like to learn more about communication skills or are struggling with a current relationship, please call Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment. Life Enhancement Counseling Services offers individual, couples and family counseling.