What’s in a Skills Jam Workshop?
Our November Skills Jam workshop is coming up fast! We’re eagerly looking forward to a Zoom room full of eager students—of any age—learning and practicing essential communication skills and self-regulation techniques.
We’ve gotten a few questions about these one-day Skills Jams and how they differ from our 16-Week PEERS® courses, so we thought we’d answer them here.
Our 16-week PEERS® course in a nutshell
Well, for one thing, the workshops are one afternoon, versus a four month-long investment of time. Obviously we can’t fit everything we teach in the 16-weeks course; the extended course is a deeper coaching experience. Over four months’ time participants—and their parent, caretaker, or other coach—learn the critical skills for improving life through better social relationships. The format occurs over 16 weeks so that participants get to know their peers and coaches and vice versa; this leads to better integration of the skills, better familial relationships, and better self-regard and advocacy.
What’s in a one-day social skills workshop?
The one-afternoon workshops explore just a few topics related to improving social and communication skills. Similar to our 16-week courses, the workshop is conducted online via video call, so that participants and coaches can see each other and connect better.
The topics that are covered in each workshop vary. You might want to sign up for one that speaks to the things you want to learn or practice, or sign up for multiple workshops and cover more ground.
Here’s what participants will learn in our next Skills Jam workshop scheduled for Sunday November 6th, 2022.
Two-way conversations
Many neurodivergent people (especially us ADHDers) have trouble knowing how and when to reciprocate in conversation. Or we haven't learned or practiced asking others questions in conversation. Two-way conversations are essential for getting to know others better, building friendship and intimacy bonds, and ending the shame cycle that often accompanies our self-regard.
Responding to and bringing up disagreements
Disagreements are a fact of life. People have different needs, opinions, values, and personalities. But for many neurodivergent people, our discomfort is amplified because of our deep sense of justice and strong emotions. We may just shut down when faced with a conflict, or we dismiss the person with whom we aren’t in agreement. Learning and practicing communication skills that seek to resolve disagreements in a positive way can improve any relationship.
Meditation and breathwork skills
Conscious breathing is one of the most profound tools that can improve a wide variety of things. It lowers cortisol and other stress hormones, “defuses” volatile reactions, and helps us to remain in touch with our needs when interacting with others. Breathwork is the easiest meditation technique because we always have access to our breath. No special props or clothing is needed and it’s available to us 24/7.
As we move into the holiday season, it’s easy to lose touch with these tools, especially if we’re neurodivergent. Learning more about these skills and getting time to practice them in a safe, supportive environment can really impact how well we connect with others and resolve conflicts in stressful moments,
Ready to dig in and improve your communication, conflict resolution and self-regulation skills?
Join us Sunday, November 6th, 2022 from 2pm – 5:30pm. The workshop is open to anyone who struggles with these issues. You’ll leave feeling better prepared, empowered, and enthusiastic (or at least cautiously optimistic) about your social interactions. Space is limited, so don’t wait until the last minute.
We’d love to have you!