#BlackMaleTherapist,#AfricanAmericantherapist, #Triple5LightTherapy, #ABLM, #BLM, #LatinX, #AsianX, #POC, #LGBTAffirmingTherapy, An “ I” message or “I” statement is a style of communication that focuses on the feelings or beliefs of the speaker rather than thoughts and characteristics that the speaker attributes to the listener. For example, a person might say to his or her partner, “I feel abandoned and worried when you consistently come home late without calling” instead of demanding, “Why are you never home on time?” ROLE OF “I” STATEMENTS IN COMMUNICATION Thomas Gordon developed the concept of an “I” statement in the 1960s and contrasted these statements to “you” statements, which shift blame and attributions to the listener. “I” statements enable speakers to be assertive without making accusations, which can often make listeners feel defensive . An “I” statement can help a person become aware of problematic behavior and generally forces the speaker to take responsibility for hi