Messages: The Communications Skills Book

Editorial Reviews

“In this fourth edition of Messages, the authors present the essentials of basic communication. From assertiveness and active listening skills to guidelines for digital communication and social media etiquette, every individual, couple, and therapist will benefit from this book. If you wish to deepen your connections to others and to succeed in every social interaction, this book is for you.”

—Michael A. Tompkins, PhD, ABPP, author of Anxiety and Avoidance and codirector of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy

“Messages will be warmly and fully welcomed into my clinical practice. This straightforward, easy-to-digest, and wholly useful book on effective communication is completely fit for its purpose. Reading, working through the exercises, and practicing the advised skills could only move those engaged in the process in one direction—toward improved relationships. The plethora of communication process descriptions, exercises, styles, needs, and outcomes provide the reader with a thorough and integrated understanding of what it means to engage in effective communication in the service of connection. An excellent self-help workbook about enhancing how we relate messages to others!”

—Robyn D. Walser, PhD, codirector of the Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinic; assistant professor at University of California, Berkeley; and coauthor of Learning ACT, The Mindful Couple, and other books

“This is an amazing book. The book will not only help you if you have been struggling to communicate effectively, but also if you just want to hone your skills. Using examples from all walks of life, the book explains the key aspects of effective communication and provides readers with ample opportunities to practice these skills in many different contexts. Although it is based on sound academic research, the book is by no means heavy academic reading. Offering many practical examples and illustrations to bring the content to life, the book is written in a non-technical, clear, concise, and personable style. I recommend this book without any reservations.”

—Georg H. Eifert, PhD, coauthor of The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety and Your Life on Purpose

“Messages is a must-read for any person looking to improve their communication skills; whether the reader needs to augment their relationship’s effectiveness with significant others, coworkers, supervisors, or relatives, this book offers ‘hands-on’ advice about how to effectively relate to others across different settings. All chapters have specific skills and exercises to master interpersonal skills beyond the classic teachings of using ‘I statements.’ I highly recommend it!”

—Patricia E. Zurita Ona, PsyD, East Bay Behavior Therapy Center, coauthor of Mind and Emotions, and author of Parenting a Troubled Teen and Escaping the Emotional Rollercoaster