It also happens to be the most important skill every therapist needs to be good at their job: reflective listening.
But there's one powerful tool we teach that can be used not just in your intimate relationships, but with friends, family and even coworkers.
The goal of reflective listening isn't to solve the problem for the other person, but rather for them to feel validated and heard.
Begin the conversation with the person who has the object; the other person doesn't get to talk until they're handed it.
Pepper Schwartz, PhD, is a sexuality expert and co-author of "Relationship Rx: Prescriptions for Lasting Love and Deeper Connection."
Persons:
we've, they've, Jessica Griffin, Jessica, Pepper Schwartz, Pepper
Organizations:
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, Twitter, University of Washington
Locations:
PsyD, Seattle