Responding Without Reacting: Better Communication in High-Conflict Family Situations episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 4, 2025 · 27 MIN

Responding Without Reacting: Better Communication in High-Conflict Family Situations

from Resource Sessions: Legal and Resource Podcasts by Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. · host Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.

In this episode, we discuss some tips on how to effectively communicate during emotionally charged family law matters. Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk, Sterk Family Law Group, P.C., speaks with Virginia Torres Ryan, LCSW, JD, Family Horizons Counseling, about how to respond with purpose, even when facing high-conflict situations.They discuss ways to reduce emotional reactivity, improve tone in written communication, and how to stay focused on facts rather than feelings. How to avoid emotionally driven responsesWhy clarity and tone matter in written and digital communicationTips for setting boundaries and choosing when to respondThe value of consistent messaging between attorneys and mental health professionalsThis episode is designed for family law professionals, mental health providers, and anyone supporting individuals through conflict-driven legal matters. Virginia also references insights from the High Conflict Institute and their recommended approach by Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq, to crafting effective responses, offering an excellent resource for those looking to learn more: ⁠How to Write a BIFF Response⁠. Click to connect with Family Horizons Counseling PLLCClick to connect with Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Our goal in our Resource Session's podcast is to reflect our firm’s commitment to a holistic, team-based approach for our clients.Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes.

In this episode, we discuss some tips on how to effectively communicate during emotionally charged family law matters. Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk, Sterk Family Law Group, P.C., speaks with Virginia Torres Ryan, LCSW, JD, Family Horizons Counseling, about how to respond with purpose, even when facing high-conflict situations.They discuss ways to reduce emotional reactivity, improve tone in written communication, and how to stay focused on facts rather than feelings. How to avoid emotionally driven responsesWhy clarity and tone matter in written and digital communicationTips for setting boundaries and choosing when to respondThe value of consistent messaging between attorneys and mental health professionalsThis episode is designed for family law professionals, mental health providers, and anyone supporting individuals through conflict-driven legal matters. Virginia also references insights from the High Conflict Institute and their recommended approach by Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq, to crafting effective responses, offering an excellent resource for those looking to learn more: ⁠How to Write a BIFF Response⁠. Click to connect with Family Horizons Counseling PLLCClick to connect with Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Our goal in our Resource Session's podcast is to reflect our firm’s commitment to a holistic, team-based approach for our clients.Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes.

NOW PLAYING

Responding Without Reacting: Better Communication in High-Conflict Family Situations

0:00 27:47

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Resource Sessions: Legal and Resource Podcasts by Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.?

This episode is 27 minutes long.

When was this Resource Sessions: Legal and Resource Podcasts by Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. episode published?

This episode was published on August 4, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In this episode, we discuss some tips on how to effectively communicate during emotionally charged family law matters. Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk, Sterk Family Law Group, P.C., speaks with Virginia Torres Ryan, LCSW, JD, Family Horizons...

Can I download this Resource Sessions: Legal and Resource Podcasts by Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!