There are demographic changes in the cultural makeup of California, and the structure of families continues to change with the cohabitation of multiple generations, multiracial families, the prevalence of various languages, and differences in socioeconomic status within families. There are many layers of differences and biases to navigate, and many ways that communication within families and between professionals can go off track.

This interactive presentation will provide practical tools, structures, and formats to help mental health professionals, mediators, attorneys, and judicial officers working in family law, engage in constructive and sensitive conversations. Professionals will participate in skill building through role plays of difficult situations and conversations related to cultural and intergenerational differences.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to identify cultural differences and the discomfort/assumptions they may hold regarding certain groups of people based on race, class, sexuality, gender, and professional association.
  • Participants will be able to identify 3 challenges to communicating effectively when faced with power differentials.
  • Participants will be able to identify 2 key components of constructive and sensitive intercultural communication.
  • Participants will be able to practice interacting with colleagues and learn the skills involved in respectful and effective communication with participants from other disciplines, and cultural groups.