Foster Care Training

When we think of mindfulness, we might have an image of someone sitting quietly and following their breath. But what does it mean to bring mindfulness into our relationships? How can we be present with young people in a way that helps them to know themselves better, helps to promote their sense of safety, and of being seen? We often think of mindfulness as being something internal, but it can also, and needs to be oriented into our relationships. It is useful for us to become better listeners, and more authentic in the way that we are present in our relationships with young people.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn mindful listening practices that help them focus on what is important to young person who is speaking, rather than what is important to them as listeners.
2. Participants will increase their ability to stay present and connected with young people in relationship by demonstrating enhanced awareness of habits around withdrawing or imploding when we become uncomfortable.
3. Participants will develop 3 enhanced relational mindfulness and communication skills to help young people feel safe, seen, acknowledged, and understood.
4. Participants will explore what does it mean to be present with a young person who is suffering without trying to fix them, and why this is important in working with youth.

Training location: Aspiranet, 3727 Sunset Lane Suite 210, Antioch, CA