Have you ever wondered why some conversations go sour despite your best intentions? Have you been frustrated or wounded by negative feedback about your communication style? Hidden assumptions and pre-existing beliefs can block our perceptions of what others are saying and trigger us to overreact in negative ways. Coaching creates the space to examine and slow down our communication process to discover pivot points where we can un-hook from triggering assumptions, choose to stay curious and then adopt more effective patterns of communicating. Breaking the cycle of communication down this way brings a sense of freedom and hope that a better way forward in relationships is possible! Improving communication skills is a common coaching topic amongst the women physicians I coach. We are passionate, gifted women with sometimes intense personalities. With increased awareness and tools, we can learn emotional and relational agility to leverage all God has put into us for good and for the nurturing of healthy relationships.