Crucial Conversation Skills for Working with System Involved Youth and Foster Families

Michele and Tory Ponsford

Training Description

A significant challenge faced by many System Involved Youth Families is effective 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 instead of separating.

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…