Crucial Conversation Skills for System Involved Youth and Their Families

Michele Ponsford, Tory Ponsford 

Training Description

A significant challenge faced by many system involved youth and their families is communication. There is a need for establishing an open system of communication when emotions are strong, the stakes are high and there is a need for a crucial conversation.  Individuals infrequently have the knowledge and understanding of how to effectively communicate what they want and need without a “blow up”.  Giving individuals basic knowledge of how to have a crucial conversation creates an opportunity for families to establish effective communication and create resolutions together.

Foundational knowledge will be presented for how to effectively communicate from the “pool of shared meaning” which establishes a “base camp” from where communication can begin as well as a place of safety to where they can return.  Participants will learn how to avoid communicating from a place of reactivity. Techniques and practices will be shared for supporting system involved youth and their families of origin or foster families in understanding, interpreting and communicating about emotional experiences, dissonant feelings (depression, anger, and anxiety) and trauma.  Participants will learn how to recognize triggers and maintain a place of “safety” while communicating.  Interactive and experiential techniques will be explored and demonstrated.  This course is interactive and not advised for passive participants.  Active participation is required for participants to fully develop the techniques and skills in this course.

Learning Objective

· Participants will be able to identify at least 2 strategies for supporting system involved youth and families to have effective, crucial conversations.

· Participants will be able to identify at least 2 techniques to support system involved youth and families to effectively communicate when emotions are strong and the stakes of the situation are high.

· Participants will be able to explain the importance of recognizing triggers within crucial conversations.

Agenda

12:00-12:55pm  Overview of Crucial Conversation

12:55-1:05pm Break (CE hours not offered for this time)

1:05-1:55pm Overview of the Impact of Emotions on Conversations

1:55-2:05pm Break (CE hours not offered for this time)

2:05-2:55pm  Communication Role Play Activity

2:55-3:05pm  Break (CE hours not offered for this time)

3:05-3:50pm  I Lack Chart Activity

3:50-4:00pm  Question & Answers & Wrap-up

Meet Our Trainer

Tory Ponsford is the Co-Founder of Evolution Consulting Firm. He brings over 25 years of professional experience to the team. His focus throughout his career has been primarily on Finance and Small Business Development. Over the last several years, Tory has developed his understanding of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and it’s importance in the business context. Tory specializes in teaching individuals how to develop Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and optimally utilize EQ development to improve overall professional performance. Working with leadership teams to integrate all aspects of business intelligence has been a key focus for Tory. Tory is a Certified Awakening Excellence Instructor with the Total Integration Institute.

Michele Ponsford is the Co-Founder of Evolution Consulting Firm. She has developed her career in the San Francisco Bay Area over the past 20 years. Her experience in Business Management has deepened her understanding of the value of breathing humanity and morality into business globally. Consulting with businesses to evolve into purpose driven entities has become her current passion. Michele specializes in teaching conscious business communication techniques, creating healthy business cultures & relationships as well as implementing core values into systems & operations. Michele is a Certified Awakening Excellence Instructor with the Total Integration Institute.

This course meets the qualifications for (3.5) BBS CE hours for LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences & is provided by Fred Finch Youth Center, CAMFT Provider #045295.