Things to Consider
Maintaining multiple blocks and working with setbacks
The aim is not to fix relationships. The aim is to: increase awareness, reduce reactivity, improve communication safety.
"Setbacks aren't failures. They're information about what your structure needs."
PRACTICES TO TRY DURING THE WEEK
Pause before responding:
• Take one breath
• Notice the body
• Slow the reaction
Listen to understand:
• Let the other person finish
• Reflect back what you heard
• Ask clarifying questions
Choose timing carefully:
• Avoid important conversations when stressed or exhausted
• Return to topics later if needed
Use calm, clear language:
• Speak about needs rather than blame
• Focus on issues, not personal attacks
IF RELATIONSHIPS FEEL DIFFICULT
If communication feels hard:
• Return to regulation strategies
• Lower expectations
• Practise self-compassion
• Remember progress is uneven
Relationship change happens gradually.
Pause before responding:
• Take one breath
• Notice the body
• Slow the reaction
Listen to understand:
• Let the other person finish
• Reflect back what you heard
• Ask clarifying questions
Choose timing carefully:
• Avoid important conversations when stressed or exhausted
• Return to topics later if needed
Use calm, clear language:
• Speak about needs rather than blame
• Focus on issues, not personal attacks
IF RELATIONSHIPS FEEL DIFFICULT
If communication feels hard:
• Return to regulation strategies
• Lower expectations
• Practise self-compassion
• Remember progress is uneven
Relationship change happens gradually.
Reflection prompts:
WEEKLY TARGET SETTING
Choose one relationship-based target that feels:
• Achievable
• Supportive
• Pressure-free
Examples:
• Listening without interrupting once per day
• Pausing before reacting
• Expressing a need calmly
• Setting one healthy boundary
Choose one relationship-based target that feels:
• Achievable
• Supportive
• Pressure-free
Examples:
• Listening without interrupting once per day
• Pausing before reacting
• Expressing a need calmly
• Setting one healthy boundary
REAL-LIFE TARGET IDEAS BY GROUP
Businesses:
• Pause before replying to emails
• Use verbal communication for sensitive issues
• Set boundaries around availability
Businesses:
• Pause before replying to emails
• Use verbal communication for sensitive issues
• Set boundaries around availability
END-OF-WEEK REFLECTION
Reflect together:
• What felt different this week?
• What helped communication?
• What was challenging?
• What would you like to keep practising?
Reflect together:
• What felt different this week?
• What helped communication?
• What was challenging?
• What would you like to keep practising?
Progress is built through gentle, consistent practice
Relationships grow through safety, not force.