Relationship Skills (Over 78 Tools that Work!)
The relationship skills and tips (over 78 in this deck!) are proven to be effective by relationship experts. The Relationship Repair Game is based on some of the best relationship tips and advice from couples counselors, therapists, mediators and relationship coaches.
What Relationship Skills and Tools are in the Relationship Repair Game?
The relationship challenges, wounds and opportunities for growth live in the body, mind and spirit. The Relationship Repair Game engages each of these realms: Users are guided in a range of responses to relationship conflict, including internal inquiry and reflection, feeling and sensing, verbal communication, nonverbal expression, writing, drawing, music, movement, and practical tasks.
The relationship skills, tips and tools contained in many self-help and personal growth books and cards have inspirational cues such as "Speak your Truth" and "Develop Compassion"; yet are unclear about how and what we actually do. We have designed the Relationship Repair Game to be directly applicable, with options you can tailor to your own relationship.
THE Relationship SKILLS AND PROCESSES in the deck INCLUDE:
Active Listening Exercises
Validating Emotions
Authenticity without Blame
Utilizing Intentions/Goals
Empathic Listening
Transforming Anger / Guilt
Approaching as a Team
Using a Peace Pause
Do No Harm Commitments
Making Specific, Direct Requests
Developing Forgiveness
Embracing the Shadow
Separating Intent from Impact
Discerning Past Resentments
Setting Clear Boundaries
Developing Acceptance
Healing Attachment Issues
Taking Accountability
Re-writing the Story
Releasing Energy in the Body
Confronting Cognitive Distortions
Surrendering Control
Challenging Core Beliefs
Transforming Triangulation
Interrupting Argument Cycles
Healing Childhood Wounds
Motivational Interviewing
Self-Soothing/Calming Techniques
"Interrupt the Pattern" A relationship skill from the deck.
Where did the relationship skills in the Relationship Repair Game come from?
I would like to thank the teachers and pioneers whose dedication to creating healing within and between people inspired many of the relationship skills, tips and advice adapted for this card deck. These include:
Dr. Marshall Rosenberg and “The Center for Nonviolent Communication”
Dr. Ellen Bader and Dr. Peter Pearson and “The Couple’s Institute”
Dr. Harville Hendrix and “Imago Relationships”
Dr. Jeffrey Young and “Schema Therapy”
Dr. Sue Johnson and “Emotionally Focused Therapy”
Dr. David Schnarch and “Crucible Therapy”
Dr. Stan Tatkin and “The PACT Institute”
Dr. Aaron Beck and “Cognitive Behavior Therapy”
Dr Peter Levine and “Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute”
Drs. John and Julie Gottman and “The Gottman Institute”
I am grateful for the supportive friends and family who encouraged and believed in this endeavor, and for the loving guidance and medicines of the plants.
Stuart Watson
Family Mediator; Portland, Oregon
Author of the Relationship Repair Game
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