Trauma-Responsive Communication Webinar Series: Navigating Difficult Conversations

Join the second training in the Trauma-Responsive Communication Webinar Series from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Public Health Training Center.

Professionals working in public health, health care, and community settings often encounter high levels of stress—both in the communities they serve and within their own work environments. Experiences such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), chronic stress, and secondary stress can influence how people interpret interactions, respond, and navigate difficult conversations. In high-pressure settings, communication can quickly shift toward conflict, withdrawal, or self-blame. This training examines how stress and moments of perceived criticism, disconnection, or misunderstanding can trigger defensive responses that shape how we communicate and relate to others. Participants will examine common responses that arise during challenging interactions and consider how these responses may affect themselves and others. The session will introduce trauma-responsive communication practices that help reduce defensiveness, increase understanding, and support more constructive conversations.

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• describe how stress can influence interpersonal interactions; 
• recognize common defensive responses that may emerge during difficult conversations; and 
• identify trauma-responsive communication approaches that reduce defensiveness, support empathy, and promote constructive dialogue during challenging interactions. 

Date and Time
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
noon–1 p.m. Eastern

Location
Online. Information to access the course will be sent upon registration.

Target Audience
This presentation is appropriate for public health and clinical practitioners, community health centers’ staff, and social services personnel working in community settings.

Continuing Education Credit
Continuing education credits for certified public health professionals (CPH-CE, 1 hour) are available. To receive credit, participants must attend from beginning to end and complete an evaluation; no partial credit will be given.

For more information about this course or for assistance with registration, contact marphtc@pitt.edu.