Understanding Family Dynamics

Product Description

Overview

How we interact with others, how we experience emotion, and how we perceive ourselves are all shaped by our family experience. The strategies we develop as children to make our way in the world don’t always work in adulthood, however. Understanding family dynamics can facilitate personal growth and help us provide better care for the families to whom we minister. Michael R. Pollard, LCSW, offers strategies for navigating family dynamics.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. Explore how family of origin shapes our self-perception;
2. Identify strategies for navigating common family relationship challenges; and
3. Learn skills for dealing with other people’s families in a ministry setting.

Who Should Participate

Priests, deacons, men and women religious, lay ministers, and those involved in vocations, formation, or clergy and ministry personnel needs.

Reflection Questions

Questions for reflection and discussion prior to the learning session are provided below.

1. How many of my own personal difficulties are a result of perceptions that originated within my family of origin?
2. What are the most common family-related challenges I face in my ministry?
3. How can I stay emotionally stable when I’m being drawn into others’ unhealthy family dynamics?