Connection Over Control:
A look inside one of our Professional Development Workshops
Many of us were taught that a well-run space is a controlled one, whether it’s a classroom, a counseling office, or a youth program. Connection Over Control starts from a different premise: that connection with students is built on trust, and trust is built through relationships.
Why control falls short
Because of how we're conditioned, we might assume, even subconsciously, that asserting power over young people will give us what we want. On the surface, it can. We get a quiet teen or a followed rule. But underneath, it may reinforce the narrative that in order to be accepted, they need to silence their needs, or the conditioned story that who they are is bad, wrong, or unlovable.
This workshop is built on a commitment to centering relationship and recognizing that underneath every behavior is an unmet need. It also begins with ourselves; we have to choose connection with ourselves, which allows us to be in connection with others.
What happens in the four hours
This one-time, in-depth training moves educators and youth-serving professionals through prompts, journaling, experiential exercises, and one-on-one discussions with peers. Participants explore the science of how our brains perceive fear and danger, and the unconscious biases that grow from our own upbringing. Every part is designed to leave educators with tangible, supportive practices they can use right away, in schools and beyond.
What it looks like in practice
In the last two months, we've had the pleasure of bringing this workshop to three schools in Oregon and California. After the most recent session, our facilitator reflected: "I could feel how important it was for them to experience Conscious Compassionate Communication using Compassionate Witness with each other."
In this practice, one person simply witnesses another's share, without commenting or interjecting. One participant shared that it felt "different and connective" to be held in that container, knowing they would not be interrupted.
Bring it to your school or organization
If you're curious about what four hours of connection could offer your faculty, organization, or team, visit our Professional Development page to learn more or reach out to our team today!