Have you ever noticed a friend say something really harsh about their partner, and then wonder what else is happening in that relationship? Have you ever seen a family member mistreat a loved one, and think “this isn’t good… but what can I say?” Or, have you ever had a friend confide in you that they’re worried about their own issues with anger, control, or jealousy, and how that’s playing out in their relationship?
It can be really difficult to know what to say and do in situations like this.
We want to support people to change, while ensuring that our support and continued friendship isn’t misinterpreted as excusing their use of unhealthy or abusive behaviours. We want to believe in the best in our friends (even when they are not acting their best), and it can be difficult to support someone to change. How can we walk these lines, and where do we draw them?
How do we condemn abusive or unhealthy behavior, without condemning the person?
In this workshop, we will learn:
đź‘€ Where we received messages about relationships and how those messages impact us and others AND how those messages might translate to unhealthy or abusive behaviours.
🤔 What reactions might arise within us, when we are confronted with knowledge that someone we know is using abusive behaviours in their relationships AND how to handle these emotions.
đź‘‚ What to listen for in terms of readiness for change.
🗨️ How to ask questions that offer support for someone to change their behaviour and how to help someone with a plan around accountability.
Led by Pathways member Trevor Williams (Sagesse), we will use scenarios, case studies, and other exercises to work in small groups and practice these skills together.
We hope you can join us!