Topic 4
What communication problems might you expect to see in counseling clients engaged in romantic relationships? 275 words 1 reference
How might the communication patterns change over the course of a relationship from initial conversation through increasing self-disclosure? 275 words 1 reference
Human Sexuality: Topic 4
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What communication problems might you expect to see in counseling clients engaged in romantic relationships?
Clients in romantic relationships have communication issues that may lead to constant conflict. Some clients may ignore communication especially when they have to talk about uncomfortable situations with their partners. In most cases, clients in romantic relationships feel that it is not always necessary to address issues. However, lack of communication eventually harms relationships because the issues become too many and too complex to address. Some clients may worry that the issues will worsen if the counselor dives deeper. However, inadequate communication causes unresolved tension that may lead to relationship failure (Boisvert et al., 2011).
Some clients may expect their partners to read their minds and act accordingly. This is a significant communication issue because it is impossible to know the exact needs and wants of a partner if they do not communicate it. Another communication problem is that some clients may always try to be right. Even when explaining relationship issues, they approach it intending to be deemed correct. As a counselor, it is important to inform clients that they must be willing to accept their partners’ feelings and experiences. It is also common for clients to get defensive and fail to listen to their partners or the counselor. Shaming and blaming each other instead of communicating effectively are also examples of communication problems. The main purpose of communication is to facilitate understanding not to get partners to agree with each other. In romantic relationships, it is unlikely that the partners will agree all the time. Therefore, partners need to listen and understand each other’s perspectives. Another communication problem occurs when partners refuse to talk. This issue prevents counselors from understanding relationship issues and helping couples (Boisvert et al., 2011).
References
Boisvert, M., Wright, J., Tremblay, N., & McDuff, P. (2011). Couples’ Reports of Relationship Problems in a Naturalistic Therapy Setting. The Family Journal, 19(4), 362-368. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480711420044
How might the communication patterns change throughout a relationship from initial conversation through increasing self-disclosure?
Self-disclosure refers to sharing personal details, including experiences, thoughts, feelings, and memories with other people. Appropriate use of self-disclosure can help build intimacy in many social relationships including romantic relationships. At the beginning of a relationship, partners tend to share little information about themselves. However, as they become more deeply involved with each other, they tend to share more personal information, and the level of self-disclosure increases. Information revealed during self-disclosure is usually based on the stage of the relationship. For example, in the beginning phases, people tend to reveal general information but progress to deeper details about their personal lives as the relationship progresses (Lin & Utz, 2017).
Increasing self-disclosure changes communication patterns by improving both verbal and non-verbal communication. When people self-disclose to their partners, they observe their partners’ reactions and derive meaning from them. For instance, if people share negative experiences with new partners and the partners react by showing empathy, they will develop more trust and be comfortable sharing other experiences which in turn leads to better communication. Self-disclosure also entails opening up about individual vulnerabilities such as insecurities and personal struggles. When partners accept each other’s vulnerabilities, they trust each other and are likely to talk about difficult situations with each other. They also support each other when they encounter their fears or any other negative experiences (Lin & Utz, 2017).
Mutual self-disclosure enhances trust and understanding in relationships which facilitates effective listening and communication. Self-disclosure makes partners feel special and facilitates the development of a better connection. Additionally, self-disclosure leads to the stronger attraction between partners as the relationship progresses. Therefore, mutual self-disclosure helps maintain romantic relationships (Lin & Utz, 2017).
References
Lin, R., & Utz, S. (2017). Self-disclosure on SNS: Do disclosure of intimacy and narrativity influence interpersonal closeness and social attraction? Computers in Human Behavior, 70, 426-436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.01.012