Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 05/24/2023
End Date: 05/31/2023
Event Times: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/trauma-aware-communication-may-2023_1160/Description: Being aware of how trauma presents in people is a critical skill for anyone, including family support professionals. In this workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families, we will learn about ourselves, explore how we perceive and filter information, and learn communication strategies that are based on understanding trauma.
In the first part of this workshop, we will create the foundation for our time together. We will share our understanding of trauma (our personal and societal views) and we will look at the concept of a “spectrum of trauma.” We will briefly explore self-compassion and how this approach is a powerful ally and tool for better communication.
In the second part of the workshop, we will experiment with somatic witnessing, or becoming aware of body sensations (for example, a tightness in the stomach) and how this may relate to trauma. We will examine emotions, needs, and feelings, as well as communication styles and cognitive distortions, (all of nothing thinking, mental filtering, mind reading, and more). Through self-compassion and non-judgemental activities, participants will be able to see how information is filtered and perceived, and how this can affect communication.
Past participants have shared that this workshop has highlighted the importance of personal responsibility in communication. Others have shared that it helped make a positive shift in their workplace as employees/co-workers started to communicate differently, using "I language," and a better understanding of how they are communicating and perceiving information.
Learning Objectives
-To understand the role that we play as the professional individual in trauma aware communication
-To recognize your personal “triggers” and how to separate that from your current situation
-To learn how to be self-compassionate and curious (rather than judgemental) as you become aware of your cognitive distortions and communication style
-To become aware of communication styles and how to be a responsible communicator
-To acquire skills on how to be mindful with information, internal dialogue, and how one communicates information
