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We are dedicated to providing comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) consulting services tailored to your needs.
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Psychological health and safety, often called workplace mental health, encompasses principles and practices to foster a supportive, respectful, and psychologically safe work environment.
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The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum is recognized as best-practice in violence prevention training for health care workers.
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WorkSafeBC is holding a second public hearing this month on proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation related to combustible dusts.
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Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR), Part 5: Chemical Agents and Biological Agents – Emergency Planning came into effect on February 3, 2025. Changes include additional requirements to minimize the risk, likelihood, and harm caused by an emergency involving hazardous substances.   Hazardous substances include biological, chemical or physical hazards that may reasonably […]
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Get PSyched! - October 2025

Using “I” statements

Learn how to use "I" statements to manage your own stress response and reduce internal conflict, fostering a sense of calm during challenging discussions.

What are “I” statements?

“I” statements are a simple yet powerful tool for clear and respectful communication. They allow you to take ownership of your feelings and focus on your perspective of an experience. By framing your concerns around your feelings and needs, you avoid language that sounds like criticism, judgment, or accusations directed at others.

Crucially, "I" statements help regulate your body's nervous system, as they avoid activating your stress response. This helps reduce your internal conflict and encourages healthier and more positive interactions.

How to use “I” statements

The Formula

"I" statements generally follow a simple structure. They are focused on stating how a specific event or situation made you feel, and the request you would like to make. The key is to be specific. Examples of this formula include:

"I feel [emotion] when [specific behaviour or situation]  because [impact]. I need [specific request]."
"When [event] happens, I feel [emotion] because [impact]. I’d like [clear ask]."
The statement can include phrases like:

The power of "I" statements

Individual benefits

Reduced stress
They help regulate your body and prevent activating your stress response.
Improved emotional well-being
They allow you to identify and articulate your own feelings rather than reacting with blame.
Healthier relationships
"I" statements encourage healthier and more positive interactions with others.

Workplace benefits

Reduced conflict

"I" statements focus the conversation on the impact of a situation on you, rather than on the other person's character. This shift reduces the chance of  defensive reactions.

Stronger trust and collaboration

When staff communicate concerns from their own perspective, it demonstrates a commitment to resolving issues without blame. This promotes a workplace mindset of collaboration.

Improved staff well-being

By fostering positive interactions and reducing the stress of potential conflict, "I" statements directly support the emotional health and well-being of staff.

Connection to psychological health and safety

Effective and safe communication is critical to creating and maintaining a psychologically healthy and safe workplace. Since "I" statements reduce conflict and support trust, they are a powerful tool that directly links to the psychological and social support factor in the workplace, fostering a culture of civility and respect.

Strategies for using "I" statements

Use “I statements” properly

Simply starting with “I” and following it with a judgment or criticism is not effective. Be sure to focus on your emotions while avoiding hostility.

Ineffective: “I feel you are disrespectful.”

Effective: “I feel disrespected when my emails aren’t answered.”

Practice re-framing
The next time you want to start with “You are…,” try switching to:

•  I feel…”
• “I notice…”
• “I prefer…”
• “I believe…”
• “I would like…”
Pay attention to your body
Notice how your nervous system responds when you shift from an aggressive “You” statement to a regulated “I” statement. 

This shift is evidence of your nervous system regulating in real-time.
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Safety Topic

Collective wellbeing

Collective Care, Mental Health, Psychological Health and Safety, Psychological social support

Work is shared. So is the emotional “weather” of your team. Collective wellbeing is shaped by everyday moments, and your actions can help create a workplace where people feel safer, more supported, and more connected.

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Safety Topic

Making choices

Psychological Health and Safety, Self-care

Making choices is a powerful form of self-care that helps build a sense of control and reduce stress.

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Empathy

Empathy, Psychological Health and Safety

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Practicing empathy can make a meaningful difference in creating a safer, healthier, and more connected workplace.

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The love story no one saw coming

Engagement, Mental Health, Organizational culture, Other, Psychological social support, Recognition and reward, Self-care

This story is told from the perspective of Billie Askelend, Senior Executive Director at Nicola Lodge.  No one expected a love story to begin at Nicola Lodge, least of all Roy. At eighty-nine, he had...

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