Date: Wednesdays,

January 8, 15, 22, 29 & February 5

(5 sessions)

Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM (CT) / 8:00 - 9:30 PM (ET)
 

Click here for enrollment:   https://forms.gle/KGyuByN5qdKf9LUA8

Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87168249935

 

Facilitators: Prof. Dr. Kutzen & Karlene
 

Topics:

Session 1 : Introduction to Effective Communication

Session 2 : Nonverbal Communication and Self-Expression

Session 3 : Overcoming Personal Barriers to Communication

Session 4 : Overcoming External Barriers to Communication

Session 5 : Enhancing Interpersonal Communication Skills

 

Course Objectives
click on the images to view/download resources

Session 1: Introduction to Effective Communication

  • Understanding Communication Basics – Define effective communication and its key components.

  • Importance of Active Listening – Explore how active listening fosters trust and clarity in conversations.
     

Session 2: Nonverbal Communication and Self-Expression

  • Body Language and Nonverbal Cues – Learn the impact of nonverbal signals, such as posture and facial expressions.

  • Building Confidence in Self-Expression – Practice techniques to communicate clearly and authentically.
     

Session 3: Overcoming Personal Barriers to Communication

  • Identifying Internal Barriers – Reflect on personal challenges, such as fear, mistrust, or past experiences, that can impact communication.

  • Managing Emotional Triggers – Develop strategies to recognize and handle emotions during conversations.
     

Session 4: Overcoming External Barriers to Communication

  • Addressing Cultural and Environmental Barriers – Understand how cultural differences and surroundings affect communication.

  • Effective Communication in Challenging Situations – Learn techniques to navigate conversations in stressful or conflict-heavy environments.
     

Session 5: Enhancing Interpersonal Communication Skills

  • Practicing Empathy and Active Understanding – Build skills for empathetic listening and validating others' perspectives.

  • Assertive Communication and Boundaries – Discover methods for setting boundaries and expressing needs assertively and respectfully.

 

 

Prof. Dr. Kutzen is Founder and Director of Employee Consultation Services, a comprehensive human resources firm specializing in designing and managing occupational health services.
Her background and experience focus on guiding organizations in policy evaluation and developing practices related to corporate social responsibility, specifically their relationship between corporate activity and social issues. Additional services include implementing and managing workplace Employee Assistance Programs, trauma /critical incident debriefing, conducting programs in human resource development and family business consultation.

Dr. Kutzen is a cum laude graduate of the University of Chicago. School of Social Service Administration. She received her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work.

Nationally recognized as a pioneer in the delivery of social services in the workplace, she is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, the National Association of Social Workers and its Illinois Chapter.

She is Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work and the Dominican University, River Forest, IL Graduate School of Social Work.

Her academic and teaching interests are in the areas of addiction, crisis intervention and skill development for graduate student interns. Dr. Kutzen is also the Employee Assistance Program Area Clinician for the Chicago Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a contract position she has held for sixteen years.