Tough Talk Coach Makes Difficult Conversations Easier: One Conversation at a Time

Sept. 11, 2012 - PRLog -- Los Angeles, CA—Having a difficult conversation is something that most people need to face in their personal or professional lives.  All too often, however, folks avoid them, hoping that the problem at hand will go away.

Believing that “tough talks” are a necessary part of resolving conflicts in business and in life, Esther Carson Bleuel MA, MFT, MDR, founded Tough Talk Coach (TTC), a consulting business that guides clients in how to get right to the heart of an issue without the need for long-term coaching or therapy.

What is a “tough talk?”  According to Bleuel, it is most any conversation where there is a lot at stake for at least one party.  It could be intense feelings, a challenging relationship, a personal or business conflict, or a difficult topic.  People often need to say or hear difficult things in order to solve a problem, or to broach subjects that can evoke great discomfort.

“Most people do want to address conflicts with others,” says Bleuel, “but they dread or fear the consequences of an encounter gone wrong—a fight, the end of a relationship, loss of a job, or a situation getting out of control. With the right preparation, implementation and reflection, people gain the skills and confidence they need to deal with emotionally ‘hot’ conversations or situations.”

Tough Talk Coach clients have reached out to Bleuel for guidance with a variety of personal and professional issues, including workplace employer-employee conflicts, partnerships and family businesses, probate and estate planning, negotiation, family or marriage disagreements, and cross-cultural and intergenerational difficulties.

The diversity of Bleuel’s 25 years of experience as an executive, professor, mediator, psychotherapist, and consultant, ideally blends to help businesses and individuals deal effectively with difficult situations and conflict. Bleuel’s extensive training and experience have provided her with a unique understanding of the interactive dynamics between people in workplaces, social groups, partnerships, families, and friendships.

Many of the skills and insights learned during the TTC coaching process provide value for a lifetime. They include knowing how to:
•Eliminate the dread of avoiding conflict or confrontation
•Acquire the skills and confidence to communicate with others under pressure  
•Prepare for a successful means of engaging with others  
•Manage ongoing tension

Preparation is key to the Tough Talk Coach method.  “This part of the process enables folks to clarify their objectives and expectations before taking each step,” says Bleuel. “We also provide role-play rehearsal to help ensure positive results.”

Bleuel’s unusual background includes two Masters degrees—one in Psychology at Pepperdine University and the other in Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute of Conflict Resolution at the Law School of Pepperdine University, where she also served as adjunct professor.  Bleuel has taught classes in Business Negotiation, Mediation and Social Psychology.  In addition, she is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an established private practice.

“Early in life I identified my passion for creative problem solving and helping individuals to grow and thrive,” relates Bleuel.  “I learned skills that enable me to deal with any type of hard conversation—personal or professional, planned or unexpected.   The peace of mind that comes with knowing how to navigate successfully through the rough waters of conflict and challenging relationships is priceless!”

For more information visit http://www.toughtalkcoach.com, email ecbleuel@toughtalkcoach.com, or call 805-517-4TTC (4882).