Communication Fix: Relationship Skills for Better Conversations and a Happy Life with Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva, PhD

Cultural differences profoundly impact our ability to communicate in relationships, often leading to misunderstandings when interpreting nonverbal cues, directness of speech, or emotional expression. To have better conversations and foster a happy life, it’s crucial to cultivate strong communication skills.

To explore communication strategies to cultivate deeper relationships,  Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva, aka Dr. T, a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Advocate2Create. 

Dr. T shares communication strategies from her book, Why Are We Fighting?, and explains how her IAP and preamble models empower people to have better conversations and strengthen their relationships. 

Original Air Date Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva, PhD, aka “Dr. T,” is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Advocate2Create. In her book, Why Are We Fighting?, she introduces the IAP Model—Intention, Action, Perception, a “Google Translate” for communication.

With over 12 years of experience, she specializes in grief, trauma, and couples therapy, integrating research-backed strategies to improve relationships. She also provides clinical evaluations for immigration cases, combining her mental health expertise with her background in immigration

law.

Book:  Why Are We Fighting?: Actionable Strategies for Effective Communication

Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva PhD—Communication Skills for Better Conversations in Relationships:

  • Cultural differences may impact communication in relationships. {3:07}
  • The Intention, Action, Perception model (IAP) is the central theme of Why Are We Fighting? {7:00}
  • Have better conversations in relationships. {16:42}
  • Navigating clinical assessment for immigration purposes. {26:20}
  • Does toxic positivity curb the chances of having a happy life? {35:06}

Like what you’re hearing?

WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING?

Check out the Harvesting Happiness podcast episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Follow Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva PhD:

Shareables:

“Most of the time, we do not set out to hurt one another." @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “What do I need from you to give you what you need?” @advocate2create on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Once we become aware of how we communicate, we can train ourselves to do it differently. It takes practice.” @advocate2create on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Curiosity before judgement.” @advocate2create on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Our Proud Sponsors:

Nature’s Sunshine

— Offers modern herbal supplements backed by science and harvested from the earth. Visit NaturesSunshine.com and use promo code HHTR to get 20% off + free shipping on your 1st order.

Cozy Earth

— Offers luxury loungewear, premium pajamas, and essential home goods. Visit CozyEarth.com and use promo code HHTR to get up to 40% off your order.

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships as part of your journey to happiness.

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.

Home » Episodes » Love & Relationships » Communication Fix: Relationship Skills for Better Conversations and a Happy Life

Continue Your Journey:

Visit Our Blog
Work With Lisa
Grab A Course!

LISTEN ANYWHERE

Nothing gives happiness like a free gift...

Sign-up, stay connected, be gifted access to a free meditation video, and receive our monthly Happiness Headlines eZine.

No spam, we promise. We don’t share your information. Get updates on special offerings, events and optimal lifestyle management tips.

Nothing gives happiness like a free gift...

Sign-up, stay connected, be gifted access to a free meditation video, and receive our monthly Happiness Headlines eZine.

No spam, we promise. We don’t share your information. Get updates on special offerings, events, and optimal lifestyle management tips.

AN AWARD-WINNING SHOW WITH with tens of millions of downloads worldwide