Is Anyone Listening?: Repairing Broken Lines in Couples Communication

Discover the many ways we block communication and what we can do to change these unconscious ineffective patterns. With clear and precise everyday language, this book simplifies important concepts from depth psychology to guide readers in communicating more effectively with their partner. Readers will also learn important insights concerning self-doubt, self-criticism, and self-rejection.



Is Anyone Listening? also gives you tools that help you overcome fear of expressing yourself honestly and directly. You will learn strategies and insights that guide you in communicating more successfully with your partner, as well as with friends, family members, and even strangers.



The essence of this book's communication program involves learning how to feel genuine interest, as well as compassion, without being judgmental or reactive.

Among the questions addressed and answered are: Do we really listen to our partner, or do we just want to express what we think and feel? Are you truly interested in what others have to say, or are you caught up in your own emotional reactions? Are you comfortable when your partner has an independent point of view, or do you just want him or her to see things your way? The book also helps readers to identify and overcome 20 ineffective communication patterns that people frequently and unwittingly employ.



One chapter deals with the problem of unconscious self-centeredness, and it shows how this common mentality impedes communication and blocks intimacy. Is Anyone Listening? also addresses the challenge of confronting others and the need to be honest about how we feel. Sometimes we're not certain just what we're feeling, and other times we're afraid to express our feelings directly. Such feelings can be associated with shame and being seen as a failure. We might also expect to be blamed for what we feel. This book helps us to recognize and overcome such concerns and fears. Readers also learn how to neutralize their partner's possible negative reactions, as well as how to resolve clashes and fights that can arise over a variety of issues.