Jourdan Travers, a distinguished psychotherapist and the clinical director at Awake Therapy, has spent her career helping couples foster healthier relationships. With a master's in social work from The University of Maryland and a bachelor's in psychology from California State University Northridge, Travers has worked with over 100 couples. Her extensive experience has revealed a simple yet transformative technique: taking a five-second pause during heated conversations.
Travers emphasizes the importance of this brief pause, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of conflicts escalating. Research supports her approach, with studies indicating that taking a momentary pause during moments of rising tension effectively de-escalates conflict in over 6,000 trials. This technique encourages individuals to respond from a place of understanding rather than defensiveness.
In her role at Awake Therapy, a prominent telehealth company, Travers recommends sitting down with one's partner to discuss the benefits of this pause. She suggests that during tense moments, individuals should take a step back, breathe, and count to five. This practice not only helps in maintaining connection but also prevents regretful statements that might damage the relationship.
Beyond her work with couples, Travers contributes to Therapytips.org, a widely-followed mental health and wellness platform. She creates online content and courses, including one focused on leveraging AI for workplace success. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she continues to impact the field of mental health positively through both clinical practice and digital education.