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Communication Techniques & Strategies Flashcards

7 cards from real CRC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Communication Techniques & Strategies flashcards as text

  1. A client reports that arguments with their partner always escalate because they both keep bringing up past grievances. Which communication technique should the coach recommend?

    Answer: Staying present-focused

    Present-focused communication keeps discussions on the current issue rather than piling on historical grievances, reducing escalation.

  2. When teaching couples about the 'four horsemen' identified by Gottman, which communication behavior is described as dismissing a partner's feelings as irrelevant or unimportant?

    Answer: Contempt

    Contempt involves treating a partner with disrespect and dismissiveness, including eye-rolling, mockery, and invalidating their feelings.

  3. A client says they shut down completely during conflicts and stop responding. Which Gottman 'horseman' does this represent, and what should the coach recommend?

    Answer: Stonewalling; physiological self-soothing

    Stonewalling is emotional withdrawal during conflict, and the antidote is physiological self-soothing such as taking a 20-minute break.

  4. In motivational interviewing used within relationship coaching, what does the acronym OARS stand for?

    Answer: Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries

    OARS — Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries — are the core communication skills in motivational interviewing.

  5. A coach notices a client nods and says 'yes' while their arms are crossed and they lean away. What skill should the coach apply?

    Answer: Attending to nonverbal cues and gently naming the discrepancy

    Skilled coaches attend to nonverbal communication and can gently reflect discrepancies between verbal and body language to deepen awareness.

  6. What is the purpose of a 'softened startup' in couples communication?

    Answer: To begin a complaint without blame by describing feelings and needs

    A softened startup involves expressing a concern with 'I feel' language and a specific request rather than a global criticism of the partner.

  7. A client wants to express frustration but fears their partner will become defensive. Which sentence structure best models non-defensive communication?

    Answer: 'I feel disconnected when dinner time involves phones, and I'd love device-free time together.'

    This response uses an 'I feel' statement, a specific observable behavior, and a positive need — reducing the chance of triggering defensiveness.