Couples / Conflict Resolution

When working with couples the most common issue that arises is communication, whether in terms of its breakdown or complete absence. Initially with couples the focus is on creating a dialogue about what they consider successful communication to be, as well as what they hope to achieve within their own relationship.

One essential component of better communication is conflict resolution. Most important is to dispel any negative connotations regarding conflict as it is a necessary requirement for successful communication. Conflicts arise frequently, and naturally are part of every relationship, but can be resolved calmly, and diplomatically.

Conflict resolution is a vital part of successful communication in its own right, but it is also a means to intimacy which is ultimately what is most important in our relationships. Intimacy can also be described as an emotional connection between two people that is ongoing, and potentially always developing. The quality of our communication, and more specifically our conflict resolution ability, are telling indicators of the condition of intimacy in our relationships. For married couples, greater interpersonal intimacy will give way to enhanced physical/sexual intimacy.

Lastly, the way in which couples are referred to here is not limited to married couples, but means any two people that have a relationship with each other, whether they are siblings, parent and child, or friends.