9 Elements to an Effective Teacher Conference
Teachers and play therapists make a powerful pair, but this starts with an initial conference. How can clinicians assure this meeting goes well, putting themselves in a position where they’re viewed as an ally rather than a threat? Success involves nine elements and lots of validation.
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:57 Lisa introduces LFPR series
1:26 What does it take to have a really effective teacher conference?
2:05 This involves nine elements
2:29 How does mindset play a role?
3:21 Element 1: “No one cares how much I know until they know how much I care.”
4:03 Coming towards a teacher energetically
5:06 How do you prove that you care?
5:27 Listening is essential
6:34 Let them know “I hear you. I see you.”
6:45 Element 2: How would you handle this interaction if the other person were your very best friend?
7:39 Writing this down as a reminder in case things get heated
8:57 Element 3: The first few interactions can help determine the success
9:55 The importance of regulation
11:11 How can you put yourself in a position where you are grounded? How can you avoid being perceived as a threat?
11:38 Relying on neurobiology
12:58 Lisa references past podcasts: Intakes with the Brain in Mind, Engaging Dads in the Play Therapy Process, Helping Parents Explain to their Child Why They are Going to Play Therapy
14:44 Element 4: The teacher will always know something about the child that you don’t
16:19 Putting together what you see and what the teacher sees to form the whole picture
16:39 Element 5: No one will listen to you until you prove that you understand their feelings about the situation
17:42 Making suggestions without any conversation sets yourself up for failure
18:00 You must understand the teacher’s perspective to be effective
19:04 When you offer a suggestion, follow up by asking what the teacher thinks
20:08 Element 6: Moving the teacher from the emotional state to the thinking state
20:50 What’s the importance of brainstorming and getting creative?
21:58 Element 7: How do you handle disagreements?
22:15 Going with the tension
23:13 Validation is extremely important
25:59 Element 8: Your behavior can lock the teacher into a pattern of thinking or acting
26:50 Activation of the nervous system
27:20 Why is regulating yourself so vital?
27:33 Element 9: Effective conferences are always based on planning
27:50 Writing down the key steps and organizing your thoughts
