It’s easy for a disagreement to go off track: One person feels blamed, the other gets defensive, and the original issue gets lost. Simple communication skills can help partners cool things down and keep the conversation productive.
Our Relationship Conflict Resolution worksheet introduces five practical strategies for handling everyday disagreements. Examples include:
- Focus on the problem, not the person.
- Use reflective listening.
- Know when to take a time-out.
Use this worksheet with clients who want to improve communication or manage recurring disagreements. In individual therapy, help clients identify which skills they can use to change their responses during conflict. In couples therapy, partners can review the skills together, discuss which ones are most relevant, and practice applying them to a recent disagreement.
