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Mindfulness, at its core, is about being fully present in the moment, acutely aware of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, without judgment. This workshop on mindful communication extends this concept to interpersonal communication.

In this interactive experience, participants will be introduced to several mindfulness exercises that can form a foundation for mindful communication. We will also explore how color affects mood and the transmission of information, and how we can strategically use it in various contexts. The workshop also helps participants understand body language in a way that fosters effective communication and deeper connections. We will delve into the nuances of vocal communication, such as volume, speed, and tone, to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of verbal exchanges. We will spend time exploring active listening, equipping participants with strategies to foster empathy and enhance understanding. Finally, participants will learn how body language, tone of voice, and attire can impact sensitive discussions. Join us in this journey through the fascinating facets of communication, empowering yourself with the tools to promote understanding and create meaningful relationships in your personal and professional life.

Participants will:

• Engage in mindfulness exercises that can form a foundation for mindful communication.
• Explore how color affects mood and the transmission of information, and how to strategically utilize them in various contexts. 
• Gain concepts in active listening and strategies to foster empathy and enhance understanding.
• Understand body language in a way that fosters effective communication and deeper connections.
• Delve into the nuances of vocal communication, such as volume, speed, and tone, to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of verbal exchanges.
• Learn how body language, tone of voice, and attire can impact sensitive discussions.

Speakers:

Scott Glassman, Psy.D

Psychologist, author, and clinical associate professor and director of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Scott Glassman, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist and author of A Happier You: A Seven-Week Program to Transform Negative Thinking into Positivity and Resilience. He is also a clinical associate professor and director of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. His seven-week wellness program, A Happier You ®, has been featured on SiriusXM and NPR. Dr. Glassman is also a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and has been a speaker and trainer at many national and regional organizations, including the American Psychological Association. He is also a contributor to the health section of The Philadelphia Inquirer. He and his wife live in New Jersey with their school-aged son.

Co-Moderators: 

Theion Perkins R.N., MSN BSN PHN

Acting Senior Deputy Director OCS

Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

North County Chief for Service Areas 1- 4.

Theion Perkins, R.N., has over 34 years of combined medical, behavioral health, and clinical experience as a Registered Nurse. Theion served as Acting Program Manager IV for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH/Department) North County from June 2020 until her promotion to North County Chief in April of 2022. In this role, she had administrative and clinical oversight of Service Areas (SAs) 1-4. One month later she was assigned as the Acting Senior Deputy Director of Outpatient Care Service (OCS).

In her current position, she has direct management and clinical oversight of directly operated mental health programs serving adults, transition age youth, and children in all eight service areas. Prior to this, Theion was the Department’s SA 1 Chief. While in this position, she developed a Mental Health Court program in SA 1 in collaboration with the North County Superior Court. She spearheaded a Maternal Mental Health collaborative with the Department of Health Services (DHS) in SA 1. Theion has gained recognition throughout the State as an expert on older adult issues and hoarding from her experience and achievements as the Mental Health Clinical Program Head of DMH Older Adult Mental Health Programs (GENESIS). Among her colleagues she is known for her dedication, sincerity, ability to problem solve, and willingness to collaborate. She can be reached by email at tperkins@dmh.lacounty.org.

 

Charmaine Dorsey, LCSW

Director of Patient and Social Support Services

Los Angeles County Department of Health Services

North County Chief for Service Areas 1- 4.

Charmaine Dorsey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has served in a variety of Clinical and Administrative roles within Health Services, Los Angeles County, for over 22 years including the implementation of Behavioral Health Integration. She currently serves as Director of Patient and Social Support Services. She is also a graduate of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar Fellowship. Charmaine sees one of most important roles as being a transformative leader, helping to mitigate barriers, create and optimize resources and provide support to overall well-being of the teams, so they can continue to provide excellent care to our communities served.

From the American Psychological Association (APA):

Leaders can visit the Striving for mental health excellence in the workplace webpage to enlist their organizations and learn specific, research-supported steps to bolster employees’ mental health and foster a psychologically healthy workplace.