by: Dr. Dino Zuccarini, C.Psych. & Dr. Lila Hakim, C.Psych.
Being able to communicate in an efficient and effective
manner in a relationship is important. Each individual in a relationship will
have his or her own feelings, needs, wants, desires, opinions, and values to
share on a wide range of topics from intimacy needs, children and parenting issues,
relationship to in-laws, household roles, duties and tasks, finances, and
balancing life-work and family demands. Inevitably partners will have different
expectations about how to address these topics. Effective communication
strategies allow individuals or couple partners to be able to navigate life’s
issues in a manner in which both partners feel valued, seen, and heard.
Individuals or couple partners who are also equipped with conflict resolution,
problem-solving, and negotiation skills are able to deal with difficult
relationship moments in which there is disagreement and when problem resolution
seems impossible.
When partners are distressed, they tend to fall into
negative communication patterns that escalate into negative displays of emotion
or withdrawals. Couples who are ill-equipped to resolve problems and are unable
to negotiate, stay stuck in conflict and eventually engage in high-conflict
interactions or distancing.
CFIR psychologists and clinicians are skilled in supporting
you to develop solid relationship communication skills. We help you to learn
how to resolve your problems, express and assert yourself, and negotiate with
others on topics of great concern to you.
The Relationship and Sex Therapy Service at CFIR offers
clients comprehensive assessment, psychotherapy, and counselling to address a
wide range of relationship and/or sexual issues for both individuals and
couples. In terms of treatment, we offer individual, couple, and group therapy
to help you to develop stronger relationships, heal relationship injuries,
improve or add new relationship skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving
and negotiation skills), and address sexual issues that interfere with sexual
satisfaction and fulfilment, regardless of sexual orientation.
Read more about our Relationship & Sex Therapy
Treatment Service.
