Toward Relationship Change

Five Key Guiding Steps for Couples

  1. Find a time and space where you can listen to each other
  2. Be MINDFUL – Notice your position, posture, and tone of voice while you are seeking understanding.
  3. As you listen or speak, can you see, hear, and touch your partner? To know better what your partner responds to most, try discovering your Love Languages.
  4. Work toward mutual understanding using, curiosity, empathy and compassion.
  5. Find a project that combines your aspirations, skills, and interests

Five Key Tips for Communicating Better

  • Listen, allow your partner to say their piece, and GET CURIOUS about what they said. Be curious to learn your partner’s perspective. When and where were the times and places your partner learned this perspective?
  • Remember, loving is more important than agreeing.
  • To reduce the arguing, notice when you start to feel angry. This gives you a chance to reflect and choose an action you prefer (yelling or calming).
  • Check that you understood your partner’s feelings behind the words.Use your partner’s first Love Language intentionally.
  • Use empathy to help deepen your understanding of your partner’s feelings.



Dawson Psychological Services

Dr. K.A. Dawson, Registered Psychologist (CPBC #1566)

Kim Dawson

1790 Barrie Road

Victoria, BC V8N2W7 Canada

(250)-899-1794

Wondering whether you can afford to pay?

Do You Have Extended Health Benefits?

Most working folks have extended health benefits through their company. Contact your employer or your human resources department to find out what your benefit package will cover.

Have you been in a car accident?

Dr. Dawson is registered as a provider of mental health services through ICBC to provide counselling to those who are experiencing emotional trauma or losses associated with a motor vehicle accident. If you have been in a motor vehicle accident, ask your physician to refer you to see Dr. Dawson. Make sure you have an ICBC claim number when you call for an appointment.

Have you been a victim of a crime?

Dr. Dawson is registered through the Provincial Crime Victim's Assistance Program to provide counselling for those who are experiencing losses or ongoing emotional trauma associated with a crime. If you have been a victim of a crime, contact your local RCMP Victim's Assistance program to get a claim number. Then make an appointment to see Dr. Dawson.