Communication is key to any healthy relationship, but what many don’t realize is that there is more to communication than the words that are spoken. Couples in Salt Lake City and other areas who attend couples therapy come to understand that there are many elements to effective and open communication.

Clearly the words being spoken are extremely important to appropriately delivering a message. After all, words are the content of communication. In moments of stress or agitation, it is important to choose words that don’t come off as accusing or harmful in order to reach a peaceful solution to a conflict.

But the context in which a message is delivered is also very important. The tone of voice in which words are spoken or non-verbal cues such as body language can greatly alter the way a message is received. Choosing the wrong tone can cause a normal conversation to escalate into an argument, while the wrong body language can indicate a lack of interest in what is being said.

At Swinton Counseling in Salt Lake City, one of our goals with couples therapy is to help our clients improve their ability to communicate with each other. Effective communication can make a major difference in improving relationships – just remember that it is more than words.