Communication for Couples
This isn't couples therapy, and this isn't mediation. This is much more straightforward; it's a facilitated conversation. A facilitated conversation is ideal for couples who find themselves going around in circles, or who need to have a tricky conversation without ending up in an argument. The one-off three hour session is designed to give both individuals the chance to truly express how they feel in a safe, respectful environment; where the goal is to achieve a solution that suits everyone.
"Our session made such a difference. Zoe was neutral and non-judgemental, and helped my partner and I
to discuss some really difficult things without it becoming an argument."
What is it?
A Conversation Faciliation session is a simple, straightforward concept.
It's designed to be a single, stand alone session - of approximately three hours long, with a specific goal - agreed by both individuals in advance.
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A couple tackles an issue that they need to resolve, whilst being supported and guided by an impartial coach.
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You can view it as a first step towards couples' therapy, or as a last attempt to resolve an issue, but ideally it's a great solution to helping move a relationship forwards by achieving an understanding, a compromise or an agreement, and opening up both individuals to being able to communicate their thoughts and feelings more clearly and easily to one another.
"After a string of arguments, we booked a Facilitated Conversation. It was very good - Zoe allowed
me to get my point across, and got us both to listen to each other."
Who is it for?
"She taught us how to understand what each other was actually trying to say, and to stay focused on a solution.
Everything felt lighter afterwards!"
A facilitated conversation is ideal for couples who:
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Are at a crossroads in their relationship
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Keep having the same discussions or arguments without achieving a solution
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Don't like confronting difficult topics
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Are struggling to have an honest and open conversation
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Have difficulty in expressing themselves
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Don't feel 'heard'
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Are worried about upsetting their partner
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Don't feel their viewpoint is respected or understood
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Want to achieve a resolution on a particular issue
How does it work?
Once a booking has been made, I contact both individuals separately to arrange a pre-meeting.
These initial meetings take place over Zoom, and last approximately 30 minutes.
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The purpose of these meetings is to allow each person to explain to me what their feelings are on the issue, so that I can help to facilitate the conversation and ensure that each person is able to express themselves fully.
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We agree upon the goal, or goals, of the session, so that we have a structure in place.
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We then arrange a date for the Facilitated Conversation. Ideally this takes place in-person, but it can also take place over Zoom if necessary.
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The Facilitated Conversation begins with a few basic listening and body language tasks, to ensure that both individuals are in the right frame of mind to not only have their say, but to also listen to what their partner is trying to tell them.
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Then, each individual is able to speak uninterrupted, for an equal length of time. During this stage, there are no interruptions - it's a safe, confidential and sacred space to allow someone to truly say what they need to say.
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Following this, I will gently guide the flow of the conversation, prompting or asking questions as and when necessary to keep the conversation on course - with the agreed goal in mind.
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The aim is to reach an agreement, an understanding, a compromise... or a plan on the way forwards.
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At the end of the session, depending upon the goal of the specific Facilitated Conversation, an informal agreement may be signed, and I follow up by email/telephone to make sure that things are on track.
"I was able to drop my guard and accept some fault for our issues. It led to a few more good
conversations at home and our relationship was so much better for it."
What are the benefits?
You may be considering Couples Therapy, or Formal Mediation - but a Facilitated Conversation can be a quick solution for some couples, or a useful first step to futher therapy if preferred.
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Straightforward single session
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Three hour block designed to achieve a solution, or compromise, in the same day
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Affordable
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Accessible
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Approachable
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A useful first step
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Fair and unbiased
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Solution focused
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Forward thinking approach
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Communication coaching - helping you to solve problems together in the future
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Non-judgemental
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Empathetic
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Safe
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Confidential
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Leave the session with an agreement or plan in place
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