Family Caregivers of BC Presents: Coach Caregiver: Communicating in Difficult Discussions.
This webinar is facilitated by Jodie McDonald, a Registered Social Worker is trained in the Non-Violent Communication (NVC) technique will illustrate how to apply the NVC technique to caregiver situations. Non-Violent Communication is a tool that allows us to speak from the point of view of feelings and needs instead of judgments and accusations. The quality of conversations – particularly challenging ones when we are in conflict with someone or need to ask for something – improve dramatically when using this technique.
Caregivers often have to advocate for their loved ones and for themselves. They have to ask questions, challenge ideas, make alternative suggestions, express disagreement, or simply ask to be heard and respected. Caregivers are often in the position of having to ask for help that they wish they didn’t need. Caregivers may also have to express their disagreement with a physician, or tell a nurse the homecare plan she set up for them isn’t going to work. In all of these situations, NVC can give caregivers more confidence to assert their views and express their needs, leading to more satisfying conversations with both with family members and health professionals alike. If you’ve ever had the experience of going without what you need because you’re afraid to ask or challenge someone, or if you find that difficult conversations can escalate quickly, NVC will be a useful tool for you.