RESPONSIVENESS VS REACTIVITY
Human interactions are a series of “send and reply” messages similar to an exchange of emails. Unlike emails though, in face-to-face interactions one “messages” the other using a mixture of words, tone, voice volume, pace, facial expressions, and body gestures—sifted through various personal perception filters accumulated throughout their lifetime—forming a complex array of output sent to the receiver. The receiver absorbs, digests, and interprets the messages as input, forms conclusions, and then replies to the message—either verbally, non-verbally, or both—sifting their reciprocation through their own, independently constructed, personal perception filters. It is these “send and reply” messages that we define as either responsive or reactive.
During 25+ years as an LMFT providing professional counseling to thousands, Dr. Welch came to realize that the single, greatest contributor to his clients’ relationship struggles was REACTIVITY: involuntary, unregulated, relationship-impeding behaviors originating from the limbic system — the “feeling” part of the brain. By measuring this reactivity using a proprietary psychological assessment he developed, and backed by evidence-based research, Dr. Welch found that individuals and couples could improve their relationships by identifying and understanding their reactive patterns, and employing practical tools to reduce REACTIVITY and increase RESPONSIVENESS (voluntary, controlled, relationship-enhancing behaviors originating from the cerebral cortex — the “thinking” part of the brain.
Dr. Welch now desires to provide these powerful tools to other mental health therapists, so they can also help their clients learn to develop and sustain RESPONSIVE RELATIONSHIPS.