In Just 5 WORDS

Communication is the key to any healthy relationship. Be it with self or with others.

Have you ever wondered why we have become so disconnected with another?

Do you find yourself feeling more and more disconnected? Like you are talking and no one is really listening? It is no wonder. Communication is a skill and like any skill it requires practice and continuous effort.

In the age of a global pandemic so many of us are left feeling disconnected and unheard. Many of us are getting caught in what I refer to as the monologue universe of communication. We have started to become conditioned to listen to respond and not to understand. We are starting to talk over one another, interrupting one another and are often left feeling unheard, misunderstood and/or overwhelmed. We have lost the art of conversation. It is like we are on stage performing and no one is hearing us, so we fall into a pattern of talking more or shutting down completely.

WHY JUST 5 WORDS?

The human brain only has so much ‘capactiy’ so to speak, and with so many unknowns and uncertainties in the world right now, many of our brains are simply stretched to the max. I have often spoke with many of my clients about a simple strategy called “5 words”. This strategy allows communication to flow more effectively allowing each person time to speak, hear, listen and respond. Behind the theory and understanding of “5 words” is the art of effective and healthy communication. It is the art of clear communication, active listening and assertiveness. It is about saying less and thinking about what we truly want to say in that moment. In this way it allows others to be better able to hear and listen more effectively. Allowing us to connect, feel respected and communicate.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Simply put it is as it says in our conversations we bring mindfulness to the words we chose and speak just “5 words” or less at a time. Allow for a pause, a reflection, a signal from your “audience” (the other person in the conversation) it may be a head nod, a word or it may a sentence before you continue with the next “5 words” or less. 5 words allows us to remove “filler” (those meaningless words that become distracting) but not lose the story, essentially getting back to having a dialogue with others. It allows us to pause, reflect and listen. It allows us to feel heard and to practice actively listening to others.

Give it a try, have fun with it. Challenge yourself to be more involved in the dialogue. Watch for the monologue and when it is your turn to listen pay attention to your “capacity”.

Human connection is needed for our survival. Today we are socially distanced, wearing masks and isolated in our surroundings more than ever. In just 5 words how are you doing?

Written & Provided by CW Psychotherapy Services ©

5063 North Service Road, Burlington, ON L7L 5H6

P: 905-870-3885 E: carriewoodcocktherapy@gmail.com W: www.cwpsychotherapy.com