Communication and Conflict
Poor communication can make even the healthiest relationship feel toxic and stressful. When we don’t communicate our needs clearly and effectively, we risk hurting ourselves and the people we love the most. Healthy communication requires honesty, assertiveness, and considering your feelings and the feelings of the other person. This type of emotional work isn't always straightforward, and it can feel awkward at first. However, improving communication often leads to more satisfying personal relationships.
For adult therapy, book with:
Amy Parsons
D’Arcy Arseneau
Darleen Davis (children only)
Dayirai Kapfunde (virtual only)
Kenneth Guye (virtual only)
Kim Cardinal
Lyndsy Stevenson
Samantha LeBlanc
Sarah Callin
Common Communication Problems in Relationships
Aggressive communication: People who communicate aggressively often come across as hostile and dismissive toward others. They may be domineering and controlling, and they often blame others instead of taking accountability for their own feelings or actions.
Passive-aggressive communication: Passive-aggressive communication refers to a mix of passive communication with undertones of hostility and resentment. This type of communication often feels confusing and stressful. The person tends to come across as upset, sarcastic, or dismissive. You can sense something is wrong, but they won't readily admit it.
Passive communication: People who communicate passively don't express their feelings or stand up for their own needs. It can seem like everyone else speaks for them. As a result, these individuals often also feel resentful toward others. At times, they may seem entirely people-pleasing, only to become explosive once the stress becomes too much.
Poor conflict resolution skills: Most of us don't like to admit when we're wrong, but this stubbornness can erode communication. If people are more interested in proving that they're right rather than connecting or actively listening to the other person, tension tends to escalate.
Mind reading: Mind reading is a common cognitive distortion where you assume what someone else is thinking or doing without actually confirming the truth. This can cause all sorts of problematic communication because you might get upset before you even know what's going on.
Lack of trust/fear of intimacy: If it's hard for you to open up to others, you may feel anxious, depressed, or withdrawn when you're around others. This explains why people with histories of trauma often struggle with communication in relationships. Trusting others is inherently vulnerable, and nobody wants to risk repeat betrayal.
How Can You Improve Communication In Your Relationships?
Improving communication first starts with awareness. Can you identify some of your own communication issues? When do you lash out at others or avoid saying what's really on your mind? When you fight with others, do you fight fairly, or do you sometimes say or do things you later regret?
Practice active listening as often as possible: Try to be mindful when others speak and do your best to offer your undivided attention. Avoid distractions and consider how the other person might be feeling when they share something important with you. If you don't understand something, ask clarifying questions.
Don't assume you're on the same page: Remember that it's impossible to know what another person is thinking. It's always better to ask what someone else might be feeling or thinking before automatically assuming you know their stance.
Apologize when you make a mistake: Hold yourself accountable if you suspect or know you've hurt someone else. Don't try to rationalize your behaviour. Offer a genuine apology and ask how you can do better next time.
Therapy for Communication and Conflict in Fort McMurray
How to Start Therapy to Improve Communication
Beginning therapy with Boreal Therapy Collective is easy and requires no referral. You can book your initial assessment here.
Understanding Length of Therapy and Treatment
Your first appointment will be 90-minutes long. For all future appointments, you can choose to book for 1 hour or 90-minutes. During your first appointment, your therapist will ask you questions to better understand you and your areas of struggle. This is known as an assessment. Depending on how much you share, the assessment phase can last anywhere from one to three appointments. The assessment is critical. It helps you and your therapist understand your goals, and it helps your therapist develop a treatment plan to support you in achieving these goals.
After the assessment is complete, treatment begins! In the treatment phase, you will be introduced to a variety of skills to practice and implement to better manage your symptoms. Most people will have a therapy session every two weeks, and we recommend this for optimal treatment. Effective therapy typically takes somewhere between six to twelve appointments (for some more, others less). Many choose to continue therapy once formal treatment is complete. This is referred to as maintenance. People who do this typically have an appointment once every six to eight weeks. This is not a requirement and is a matter of personal choice.
Therapy for Communication and Conflict at Boreal Therapy Collective
Where We Are Located
We’re located at 8530 Manning Avenue, Unit 104. You’ll find us in the Service Canada building (on the side of the building that faces the Clearwater River). To check out our space, click here.
Parking is located at the front and back of the building. The front parking lot is closer to us but tends to fill up quickly. There is also an empty dirt lot adjacent to our office that many use for parking. If you park at the back (where Service Canada is located), you can walk around the building to reach our office. To learn more about parking, click here.
Importantly, you do not need to be in town for treatment. We offer in-person and virtual therapy and our therapists are happy to provide whatever option works best for you!
Rates & Benefit Coverage
Initial assessments are billed at a rate of $330.00 for a 90-minute appointment. Follow-up sessions are billed at a rate of $220.00/hour or $330.00/90-minutes (you can choose your preferred appointment length when booking).
Our social workers offer direct billing to 25+ benefit providers. Many benefit providers will cover a portion or the whole amount of your therapy session. With your consent, we will always direct bill your benefit provider first. Please note that our Registered Psychiatric Nurses are typically ineligible for direct billing.
If we are unable to direct bill, you can pay via email money transfer or credit card. You will be given a receipt once payment has been collected. For more information on benefit coverage, click here.
