Oliver Drakeford Therapy has released new findings demonstrating the profound impact of listening skills on relationship success, with data showing that individuals who report their partner has strong listening abilities are 43 times more likely to be in a thriving relationship category compared to couples who struggle with listening. The research represents a dramatic shift from just 1 in 70 couples to nearly 2 in 3 achieving relationship success when effective listening is present.
The clinical director of Oliver Drakeford Therapy, Oliver Drakeford, emphasized that the data from their couples intimacy quiz confirms what his team of couples therapists has observed clinically for years. Lasting intimacy builds on patterns of connection, with communication serving as the foundation for growth, trust, and deeper emotional closeness. The research reveals several key findings that are transforming approaches to couples therapy in Los Angeles.
People who described their partners as good listeners were 17 times more likely to report feeling very emotionally connected to their significant others. Deep, meaningful conversations occurred 12 times more frequently when partners demonstrated strong listening skills. Additionally, individuals with attentive listeners as partners were six times more likely to feel comfortable expressing their emotional needs.
The research underscores a significant challenge in modern relationships, with 75% of couples scoring below the healthy relationship threshold in the assessment. This data highlights the critical need for professional intervention, particularly before couples reach the point of giving up on improvement, as reported by 1 in 9 participants. Drakeford, who has contributed to publications like HuffPost and The Zoe Report on intimacy and relationship health topics, stresses that professional support often becomes necessary for couples struggling with communication breakdowns.
Oliver Drakeford Therapy offers specialized services to help couples improve communication dynamics, including evidence-based couples counseling grounded in relationship research and communication coaching that teaches the listening to learn approach. The practice also provides conflict resolution skills training to transform destructive cycles into constructive dialogue, along with specialized support for LGBTQ+ couples in West Hollywood and relationship anxiety therapy. Couples interested in improving their communication can access additional resources through the practice's website at https://www.oliverdrakefordtherapy.com/couples.
