Communication skills allow us to connect on a deep and emotional level. Every culture in the world has a method of communication that allows them to convey important information and express themselves. Whenever we speak to each other, write a story, or move in specific ways, we are using these communication skills. People don’t often think about how important these communication skills are. After all, we can just simply talk to or text each other. Why would we need to think about it any harder than that?
The answer is that communication skills are essential in addiction treatment and recovery. If a mental health care professional cannot understand their client, they won’t know how to help them. The same goes for the client, as being unable to understand or grasp what their provider is communicating to them will prolong treatment and cause stress. That’s why, at Painted Desert Recovery, time is taken to teach clients how to improve their communication skills. When we can communicate with and understand each other, it opens up a pathway for healing and recovery.
What Are the Skills Needed for Communication?
As people, we rely strongly on communication skills to convey critical information and form bonds with each other. There are currently four known ways in which we can communicate.
Writing: This is perhaps one of the most common ways people communicate in the digital age. We often text via phone or send messages over apps. Many people are more comfortable writing instead of using other communication types, especially those who are shy or simply cannot or do not want to speak. Writing skills are important for critical thinking and recording our experiences. Many people use writing to express themselves through stories, memoirs, and poetry.
Verbal: Nearly everyone utilizes the ability to speak unless they struggle with an underlying condition that impairs them. There is an informal way of speaking, such as with friends, and a formal way, which you would use for your boss at work. It can be difficult, however, for people to communicate verbally when speaking about difficult or upsetting topics. Verbal skills are important to communicate our needs, so learning how to be clear and concise when speaking is important. Singing is an example of how someone can express themselves verbally.
Non-verbal: This type of communication is performed through the use of body language, eye contact, and overall “vibe” or demeanor. It involves actions such as facial expressions, body tenseness, and other cues to convey a message without speaking. Non-verbal communication is often subconscious and can indicate someone’s comfort and mental state. These skills are used to accurately convey emotions and enhance what you are trying to communicate. Dancing is a common way to express oneself non-verbally.
Visual communication: This is communicating through images and other non-written means to convey a message. Art is perhaps the most well-known form of visual communication. It’s typically used in therapies such as art therapy to allow for forms of healthy expression. Visual communication is important as a means to provide communication that can be understood without having to use speech, writing, or understanding non-verbal cues.
Why Communication Skills Are Important for Recovery
The reason why communication skills are so important for recovery is that they are required to communicate a person’s needs. Much happens in treatment and recovery that rely on the trust and communication between provider and client. If information cannot be conveyed, the client cannot get the accurate help they need.
This is particularly important for specific types of therapy. Psychotherapy is one such example. It is also known as “talk” therapy and relies on verbal communication to work. Art therapy relies on visual communication to express feelings that cannot be verbalized. Treatment providers need to understand non-verbal cues to assess their client’s comfort levels. Even written communication is important, especially when using tools such as journaling to document a client’s symptoms and memories.
Communication skills are also vital for recovery. It encourages healthy communication and relationships with others. These relationships become support networks that can help clients stay in recovery. Of course, not everyone has impeccable communication skills right away. It takes instruction and practice to improve one’s communication skills.
Where to Learn Healthy Communication Skills
Anyone can learn healthy communication skills. Most addiction treatment and mental health care facilities will spend time assisting clients in improving their communication skills. Painted Desert Recovery especially focuses on building trust and communication between client and provider. Using learning tools such as role-playing and journaling is one such way clients hone their communication skills.
As mentioned before, some therapies are particularly useful in improving communication skills. All therapy requires the use of some type of communication to work. Art therapy, group therapy, and others are valuable in teaching clients how to communicate effectively at Painted Desert Recovery. Communication skills such as conveying information clearly, listening to others, and being aware of your words are practiced in a safe and supportive environment.
Those fearing that they will be judged or belittled for struggling with their communication have nothing to fear. Nobody is perfect, and it’s understood that improvement is a life-long journey. It’s always acceptable to ask for help, especially if you want to improve your communication skills. Mental health care professionals are trained to provide the instruction you need to make the life changes you desire. Improving how we communicate takes time and effort to accomplish, but it’s possible if you truly desire it at Painted Desert Recovery.
Communication is how we connect as people. When we cannot communicate effectively, we can inadvertently damage our relationships with others. Having a healthy support network is vital to recovery, but what do you do if you have trouble getting along with others? That’s why, at Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, clients learn valuable communication skills that set them up for success. Not only do they learn how to communicate their needs, they also learn how to establish healthy and long-lasting relationships with peers and loved ones. With this skill set, a person can achieve anything. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t lose hope. Call us today at (844) 540-0353.
