PRACTICE PACK
PK06
Couples: communication and repair
Make room for two perspectives.
Practice a manageable conversation with clear requests, listening, and an agreed pause. A fictional example, individual reflection, rehearsal, and review help partners choose what fits their relationship.
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A sequence you can adapt
Choose the pages that fit. The sequence is optional; it is not a complete treatment protocol.
- Understand
Before We Have the Conversation
Choose whether, when, and how to discuss one manageable disagreement.
- See a fictional example
Two Plans for Saturday: A Worked Example
See a fictional couple turn a vague argument into a specific, revisable request.
- Explore
From Friction to a Clear Request
Prepare one concrete request without assuming your partner’s intentions.
- Rehearse
Listen, Check, Then Respond
Rehearse a brief exchange in which each partner checks what they heard.
- Practice between sessions
One Small Agreement to Try
Design an optional, brief experiment that both partners can revise.
- Reflect and review
What Did Our Experiment Teach Us?
Review a shared plan without assigning a relationship score.
- Prepare to facilitate
Facilitating a Safe, Focused Couples Practice
Select and adapt a brief communication exercise within appropriate couples care.
Facilitator guidance
Check privately for fear, coercion, and retaliation before joint work. Use separate specialist support when safety is uncertain; do not frame abuse as a shared communication problem. Offer written turns, interpretation, or extra processing time and avoid requiring eye contact.