Communication Workshop-Declarative Language

In January, I attended the MDSC’s Mental Health Support Group for parents of teens and adults. They had a guest speaker, Linda K. Murphy, who is the author of the Declarative Language Handbook. I was so impressed with what I learned that we have invited Linda to come and speak to our group.

Declarative Language is a style of communication that focuses on sharing thoughts, observations and experiences, rather than asking questions or giving directions. Instead of telling someone exactly what to do or expecting a specific answer, declarative language creates the opportunity to think for oneself and creates the space for an individual to respond with less pressure.

As an individual is allowed time to respond and the opportunity to make choices and decisions, autonomy increases. As autonomy increases, resistance and “learned dependence” can decrease.

Whether your loved one is a child or an adult, this collaborative communication style encourages engagement and empowerment and can help reduce resistance and stalling. We hope you will join us for a closer look at Declarative Language and how it can help your family.

Please mark your calendars and join us.