Overview
Veteran Peer Support Specialist Training Course 3: Effective Communication and Stress Management
Through a series of interactive instructional videos narrated by Behavioral Health experts, this three module, online, self-paced, training course explores the idea that military Veterans share a unique identity and lived experience. VPSSTC3 provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to effective communication techniques, including active listening, motivational interviewing and de-escalation of angry individuals in the workplace. Additionally, participants will learn evidence-based mindfulness strategies to manage secondary traumatic stress such as guided breathing and relaxation exercises and the power of positive thought on mood. Completion of the course prepares Peer Support Specialists to more effectively communicate with Veteran Peers and their families, supports greater understanding of the mind-body connection and promotes productive personal and professional connection with Veteran Peers.
Module 1: Reflective and Active Listening and Motivational Interviewing
Module 2: De-Escalation, Decision Making, and Problem Solving
Module 3: Whole Health Mind Body Connection, Self-Care, and Secondary Traumatic Stress Mitigation
Target Audience
Peer Support Specialists as well as other Human Services professionals who would like to increase their knowledge of military and Veteran culture and the behavioral health issues relevant to this unique population.
Modality
This course consists of 3 online self-paced modules, each approximately 1 hour in length. Participants must complete all 3 modules, their respective end of module quizzes, a pre-test, a post-test, and a course evaluation to receive a certificate of completion. This course takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
Policies and ADA Accessibility
If you require any of the auxiliary aids or services identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to participate in this program, please call us at (919) 843-6083, or e-mail us at bhs-support@unc.edu. Websites and courses have been developed in compliance of US Section 508 standards where applicable or meeting W3C priority 1 guidelines for web accessibility.
Please send all questions, concerns, and support inquiries to bhs-support@unc.edu.
Training Details
Module 1: Reflective and Active Listening and Motivational Interviewing
This module consists of four videos and provides Peer Support Specialists with: Effective active listening strategies such as reflecting back, summarizing, and deferring judgment; an explanation of the importance of tone and nonverbal cues when establishing connection; a definition of motivational interviewing and detailed description of the Trans-theoretical Model of Change; examples of "change talk" and language models used to encourage "change talk", and a discussion of "traps" to avoid when interviewing Veteran Peers.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Describe the importance of tone and nonverbal cues when establishing a connection.
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Recognize reflecting back, summarizing, and deferring judgment as effective active listening techniques.
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Define Motivational Interviewing.
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Describe the Trans-theoretical Model of Change and give examples of the O.A.R.S. interviewing technique.
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Recognize "change talk" as a technique to determine the stage of change.
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Identify language models used to encourage change talk.
Module 2: De-Escalation, Decision Making, and Problem Solving
This module consists of four interactive videos and provides Peer Support Specialists with: practical advice for dealing with angry individuals in the workplace; an explanation of the three objectives of de-escalation; a detailed list and description of the 10 underlying principles of de-escalation; a definition of emotional trigger and identification of antecedent behaviors and consequences; a description of the problem-solving process and introduction to S.M.A.R.T goal setting; and an explanation of the importance of effective conflict resolution in positive parent-child relationships.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Explain the three objectives of de-escalation.
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Describe the 10 principles of de-escalation.
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Recall the importance of preparation in avoiding conflict in the workplace.
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Define emotional triggers and describe antecedent behaviors and consequences.
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Explain the importance of effective conflict resolution in maintaining positive child-parent relationships.
Module 3: Whole Health Mind Body Connection, Self-Care, and Secondary Traumatic Stress Mitigation
This module consists of six videos and provides Peer Support Specialists with: an explanation of the connection between the mind and body; a description of the interconnection between chronic stress and pain; a definition of Secondary Traumatic Stress and explanation of how stress can be passed from one individual to another; a guided muscle relaxation exercise, a guided breathing exercise, and practical strategies for introducing mindfulness practice into daily life and routine meetings with Veterans seeking support.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Describe the interconnection between chronic stress and pain.
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Define Secondary Traumatic Stress and describe how stress can be passed from one individual to another.
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Recall a guided muscle relaxation exercise.
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Recall a guided breathing exercise.
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Describe practical strategies for introducing mindfulness practice into daily life and routine meetings with Veterans seeking support.
Register
- Please be sure to be logged on to the BHS site.
- Click the button below "Take Me to the Course" to enter the course. The course will open in a new tab.
- You can always re-visit the course by visiting your "My Courses" tab on your account page.
Continuing Education
Successful completion of this course provides 3 contact hours toward the additional 20 hour requirement for Certified Peer Support Specialist-Military Designation.
