Listening 4 Wk Course: MORNING

Purpose

I’m convinced that to be truly heard and understood with gentleness is one of the most precious gifts to give one another. Listening builds understanding, understanding builds knowing, and knowing builds connection. This course will touch on the basics of listening and provide skills to apply immediately to your relationships.

What to expect in class:

• This course uses a mix of different learning styles including lecture and power-point presentations, in-class exercises, video/film, worksheets/handouts, class discussion and Q&A with the instructor, minimal homework, as well as optional out of class activities to solidify new skills.
• A stand-out feature of this course is the 1:1 and small group practice exercises between class participants. Julia will provide detailed guidance and trauma-informed structure  and choice around these exercises. (Is social interaction with strangers a significant disturbance for you? – consider inviting a friend to register and let me know you’d like to be only paired with each other for the in-class exercises.)
• Julia’s teaching style – One of the many reasons I was drawn to psychology has to do with what I reference as “living in the gray”. I do my best to minimize the chaos or uncertainty within relationships while inviting you to tolerate the complexity and depth of being human in relationship with other humans.                                   
  • WHY & HOW: My style of teaching is focused on bringing to light your WHY and motives (or values-oriented motivation) instead of being hyper-focused on behavior or formulas. I do focus on the HOW and application of skills based on your WHY. I’m less focused on perfection and more focused on authenticity and integrity. We’re all a little awkward, let’s just embrace it.
  • Humor: Speaking of awkward, I’ve learned I can’t teach without some humor and goofiness. I’ll try to create a balance of depth while also embracing the light-heartedness of building connection through listening.
  • Class Engagement: While I don’t have all the answers, I do welcome questions. Engagement and discussion in class will be encouraged.
• A recommended list of resources including authors/books, podcasts, and more will be provided throughout the course.

Course Objectives: by the end of the course you will be able to…

• Define and give examples of key listening principles
• Understand how the power of listening facilitates the mending and bonding of relationships.
• Identify how ineffective listening habits originated and select objective areas of growth.
• Analyze and interpret personal values and strengths as well as give examples of how they enhance your unique listening style.
• Explain primary barriers to listening and outline your own common pitfalls as a listener.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of key concepts to effective listening such as: attunement, validation, mindfulness, co-regulation, trauma-informed, body language, affect, and the importance of culture.
• Assess the effectiveness of your listening skills.
• Name and describe basic human emotion and gain skills to identify emotions in others.
• Compose and express appropriate times to use emotionally enhancing or “deep” listening skills based on personal values and social contexts.
• Formulate questions to demonstrate comprehension of what the speaker is communicating or gain clarity on uncertain aspects of the speaker’s sharing.

About Julia

I sometimes joke that listening is what I do for a living. I work as a professional mental health counselor** who specializes in identity formation & spiritual maturity. My experience includes  teaching and building curriculum for university courses in the field of psychology and counseling as well as leading workshops to equip university students, faculty, and staff in the areas of mental well-being. I currently coordinate local mental health educational conferences, process groups, and workshops.

Helping the helper and equipping others in the areas of mental and emotional well-being is one of my passions. I bring a trauma-informed lense as well as a gentle, playful, and active leadership style to my events. Individuals authentically and bravely leaning into transformation is very sacred work to me. I prioritize emotional safety and creating relationships that empower those I engage with.

**Licensed Mental Health Counselor of the state of WA and Professional Counselor Associate of the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. National Certified Counselor. Masters degree in Counseling from Western Seminary, Portland.

Tickets

$95 Ages 20+

$75 Ages 15-19

(Early Bird Price $75/$55 ends April 25th)

Email julia@garrisoncounselingservices.org with any questions