Join Jenniffer Duran-West for the session From Resistance to Readiness: Counseling Skills at Work Through the Lens of Ambivalence and Compassion as she facilitates a dynamic conversation that blends compassion and counseling techniques to empower breastfeeding educators in supporting families through ambivalence and resistance. Attendees will revisit core counseling skills through video demonstrations and discussions, learning to identify stages of change and recognize ambivalence in challenging conversations. Building on this foundation, the session explores how the spirit and style of counseling, rooted in empathy, collaboration, and empowerment, can foster readiness and lasting change. Through case studies, participants will deepen their understanding of how to support families compassionately as they make infant feeding decisions, using active listening and empathetic communication. Together, these elements equip breastfeeding educators with practical tools and confidence to meet families where they are, providing effective, compassionate support that promotes positive infant feeding outcomes.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate core counseling skills through analysis of video examples and group discussions.
- Apply active listening and empathetic communication techniques to effectively support ambivalent families making infant feeding decisions.
- Review case studies to practice compassionate counseling strategies tailored to families’ unique experiences and challenges when determining their infant feeding plans.
- Build staff confidence and practical skills to provide education that meets families where they are and promotes positive infant feeding outcomes.
CEUs: The California WIC Association will be applying for CPEUs through CDR and CERPs through IBCLE.
Fee: $75 ($25 for California Local WIC Agency Staff)