Relationships: Communication, Conflict, and Connection

Daniel is welcomed back to Unashamed Unafraid for a deep dive with Steve and Chris into something every relationship can improve on, communication.  

Many of us have never had great examples of what healthy communication within relationships looks like. In this episode, therapist Daniel Burgess shares his four do’s and don’ts for healthy communication in our relationships.

Daniel gained his unique perspective while working with contentious relationships in divorce court and developed the process he shares, which includes:

1. Start by assuming the best from your partner.

2. Incorporate the four Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t - Prove, defend, convince, or retaliate
• Do Be: Clear, concise, confident, and caring

3. Avoid the divorce equation, for example “if you loved me…”

Daniel shares his personal experience of applying these tools in his own life and explains how they worked for him.  He discusses his perspective about the importance of having difficult conversations in front of our kids so they can see how it is possible to navigate through the messy.  

He suggests that difficult conversations should be scheduled for a specific time, and duration.  And also stresses that these tools shouldn’t be used as an excuse for bad behavior nor to be used against the other person. 

Learning how to communicate is a process over time and involves perspective.  We are all craving empathetic connection.  This episode will help you in your relationships to better know your limits and learn to communicate difficult things in a loving way. 

You can find Daniel through his website at www.danielaburgess.com or by listening to his podcast ”Improving Intimacy.”

If this episode resonates with you, or you know someone who might benefit from it, please share the link to the episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ.  Please subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid.