The Power of a Mug That Speaks When Words Fail

Have you ever been in a situation where you knew exactly what you needed, but couldn’t find the right words? Where emotions ran high, but your ability to express them clearly ran low?

The Connection Mug collection was born from a simple truth: communication is the foundation of every meaningful relationship, yet it’s often the first thing to break down when we need it most.

As the author of multiple books on emotional regulation, self-coaching and self-awareness, I’ve spent years helping people recognise patterns in their communication and develop effective strategies to express their needs. The BE Elements™ framework I developed explains how our sense of safety, gain or loss, clarity, and self vs. ego affects every interaction we have.

But even with this knowledge, in the heat of the moment, we often forget our tools. And often, we avoid conversation because we’re afraid of our partner wanting to fix or fixate or even shut down. Even if it’s just expressing what happened at work today.

That’s why I created Coach in a Cup™ – because sometimes, the most powerful coaching tool is the one within reach, especially when it comes with a coaching session to help you!

Each Connection Mug features carefully crafted phrases that give voice to your needs when words fail. The phrases are backed by years of research and real-world application, designed to interrupt reactive patterns and create space for meaningful connection.

Every mug has both the phrases on the mug AND a video with extra coaching tips to watch when you get the mug to know how to use it. And there’s additional coaching to watch for both sides of the conversation while the kettle is boiling or your Espresso machine is percolating! Simply scan the QR code ON the mug itself and take the time to pause, reflect, respect and gather your thoughts.

Mugs come with the following:

The mug with phrases to consider on both sides
A QR code leading to instructions and coaching videos
Cheatsheet you can print (as often as needed!)
Additional Resources (with some mugs for additional reading)

NOTE: Links to buy take you to the secure Shopify store for purchasing.

For couples navigating everyday communication challenges

This mug features five powerful phrases that transform how couples communicate during difficult moments:

• “Please just let me talk without interruption”
• “I’d love your thoughts, but first, please hear me out fully”
• “I need a little space to process—please give me __ minutes”
• “I don’t need words, I just need you near me right now”
• “I need something to distract me”

Each mug includes access to instructional videos that explain how to use the mugs, how to use these phrases effectively and how to respond when your partner uses them.

BONUS: COMES WITH DIGITAL VERSION OF MY BOOK: RAMP your RELATIONSHIP!! ($15 VALUE!)

BONUS 2: Comes with an Effective Communication guide for couples. (Including better communication for adults with ADHD.)

For parents navigating communication with teens

COMING WEEK OF MARCH 10TH

Parenting teenagers requires a special kind of communication toolkit. This mug helps parents express their needs with phrases designed to create understanding rather than conflict:

• "I'd like to understand your perspective without jumping in with advice"
• "I'm here to listen, and I won't assume I know what's best"
• "Let's pause this conversation and come back to it when we're both ready"
• "I'm here for you - no need to talk unless you want to"
• "Would it help to discuss this differently?"

The reverse side features reminders based on the BE states to help parents remember that teens are still learning how to process emotions and communicate effectively.

BONUS: COMES WITH DIGITAL VERSION OF MY BOOK: RAMP your PARENTING!! ($15 VALUE!)

For teenagers navigating communication with parents

COMING WEEK OF MARCH 10TH

Designed with input from real teenagers, this mug gives teens a voice when emotions run high:

• "I need to share my thoughts without interruption"
• "I'd like your advice, but first I need you to hear everything"
• "I need some time to think—can we talk about this in ___ minutes?"
• "I just need a hug or to sit close"
• "Could we talk about this in a different setting?"

The reverse side helps teens understand the BE states from their parents' perspective – parents want to keep them safe, understand their world, connect, and build them up.

BONUS: Comes with additional resources for teenagers.
BONUS 2: Digital Version of RAMP your Teenage Life - a book on self-coaching for teenagers - Coming April 2025.

If you would like to order these in bulk for your school AND get some additional training, please contact me for details and discounts!

For educators creating better classroom communication

COMING WEEK OF MARCH 10TH

Created by a lifelong educator and trainer (me!), this mug helps teachers navigate challenging student interactions:

• "I'd like to hear your perspective on this before I share mine"
• "Let's explore this together - can you help me understand?"
• "We both need a moment to reset. Let's pause and return to this"
• "I'm here to support you, not just correct you"
• "Could we try a different approach to this?"

The reverse features reminders about the BE states that drive student behaviour, helping teachers respond with empathy rather than reaction -even when you're busy.

BONUS: Additional resources for handling Neurodiverse students, approved by a specialist in the UK.

For more effective professional communication

COMING WEEK OF MARCH 10TH

Office politics and team dynamics become more manageable with these phrases:

• "I need to walk through my complete thought process before receiving feedback"
• "I welcome your input, but would appreciate hearing all my points first"
• "I need time to process this information—can we reconvene in ___ minutes?"
• "I'd appreciate your presence/support with this challenge rather than immediate solutions"
• "Could we find additional resources or perspectives to help address this situation?"

Ideal for improving meeting culture, handling difficult conversations, and creating psychological safety in professional environments.

BONUS: Get the digital version of my book "There's A Reason For That" - great for understanding why we do what we do!

If you would like to order these in bulk for your business or team AND get some additional training, please contact me for details and discounts!

Teaching children how to communicate and understand the root of their emotions can save both parents and children a lot of frustration. It's also a great way to interrupt / preempt disruptive behaviour and gives children a way to process their actions and thoughts in a way that makes sense to them.

For helping little ones express big feelings

COMING WEEK OF MARCH 10TH

Our newest addition helps children ages 4-10 communicate their needs with simple, clear phrases:

• "I need to talk and I'd like you to just listen"
• "I want help but let me try first"
• "I need a little quiet time"
• "I just need a hug or to sit close"
• "Can we do something else for a bit?"

The reverse features child-friendly reminders that big feelings are okay, along with simple strategies like taking big breaths, using words, and asking for help. Each mug comes with access to our "Mug Buddy" video featuring a friendly puppet who explains how to use the mug when words are hard to find.

Each Connection Mug comes with a QR code linking to instructional videos for both the user and their conversation partner. These videos are essential because:

They provide context - Understanding why these specific phrases work helps users implement them effectively

They build confidence - Seeing example scenarios helps people feel prepared to use the mug in real situations

They promote mutual understanding - When both parties watch the videos, they share a common language and framework

They offer depth beyond the mug - The videos incorporate principles from my books and training programs in an accessible format

The Science Behind the Mugs

The Connection Mug collection isn't just about nice phrases – it's built on the foundation of the BE Elements™ framework (the book is on Amazon!) that explains how our emotions, reactions, and communication patterns are influenced by four key elements:

Safety: Our need to feel secure mentally, emotionally, and physically

Gain/Loss: Our perception of what we're receiving or giving up

Clarity/Confusion: Our understanding (or lack thereof) of a situation

Self/Ego: Our authentic needs versus our ego-driven desires

When communication breaks down, it's usually because one or more of these elements is out of balance. The phrases on each mug are specifically designed to address these elements and restore balance to the conversation.

Transform Your Relationships One Sip at a Time

Whether you're navigating a difficult conversation with your partner, trying to understand your teenager, or managing team dynamics at work, the Connection Mug provides the words when you need them most.

Because sometimes, the most powerful coaching tool is the one already in your hands.

Choose your Connection Mug today and experience the difference that clear, intentional communication can make in your relationships.

Coming Soon to Coach in a Cup™

Our collection continues to grow with new mugs currently in development:

BE Set: Featuring the four BE Elements of Safety, Gain/Loss, Clarity, and Self - learn to refelct on these elements for better emotional regulation.

RAMPIT Set: Based on my RAMPIT framework for self-coaching - focus on one of 6 aspects for a different daily focus.

Experience Loop Set: Helping navigate the cycles of habits and triggers - reflect on different aspects for a fresh look on change.

5 Phases Set: Guiding users through the five phases of personal growth (see details here)

Morning Motivation Mug: With morning review video and weekly theme

Evening Reflection Mug: With guided reflection prompts to round off the day.

General Self-Coaching Mug: For everyday personal development

Habit Breaker "Instead of" Mug: For transforming negative and unhelpful patterns and habits on a daily basis.