Difficult conversations are interactions we know we need to have but many of us tend to avoid - often because we feel too anxious or frustrated to engage. Or, we may engage in the conversation only to realize it leads to more difficulty rather than to more understanding and problem-solving. Even with our practiced communication skills and best intentions, we all find ourselves face-to-face at some point - whether at work or at home - with interactions that challenge us. During this course we will identify what makes these conversations difficult and practice the skills that difficult conversations require, including self-awareness, working with emotions, and communicating with the other person to reach understanding and resolution.

Objectives

• List the elements of a difficult conversation
• Describe the steps of engaging skillfully in a difficult conversation
• Identify ways they can apply today's learning to a current difficult conversation

Workshop Format
The seminar is a 3.5-hour classroom workshop with a didactic presentation and interactive exercises led by an expert facilitator.

Workshop Facilitator
Brett Penfil, MA, MPH
Brett received her master's in public health in health behavior and health education from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She has worked in women's health and health education and, most recently, worked as a senior organizational consultant for Blue Shield of California. Brett recently received a master's degree in counseling psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies and is a Marriage Family Therapist Intern.

Workshop Logistics

Time: 1-4:30pm

Cost: $175 (includes seminar materials and refreshments)

Location:
University of California, San Francisco
Laurel Heights Campus
3333 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94118

Meeting Room: Suite 410

Parking: Available onsite for $11 for up to 4 hours.

To Register: Download and complete the registration form and email to Marie Hollero.