What do CBI students say about communication skills?
"What I most enjoyed about
this topic was that it challenged my communication skills and
how effective they really were. I really enjoyed learning about
listening techniques, active listening and how to listen
effectively. I learned that my listening skills really needed to
be addressed and refined and I have been actively practicing my
new skills with everyone I talk to. I now love that when I talk
to someone, whether it be family, friends or even someone
interested in having a Doula or just looking for support, I know
I am actually listening to them effectively. I love being able
to do that for someone, that they might feel like they have been
heard. I so appreciate being a good listener and communicator
now because I know how valuable it is to have someone around who
you feel understands you and that will sometimes just listen. I
really enjoyed developing this skill."
- Chantel, QLD, Australia"It was very reflective and
points out the power of language and communication. I liked
focusing on how language can impact moms emotionally, especially
since I did hypnobirthing, which also uses this idea. Overall,
it really helped me to focus on simply figuring out what the
client needs in order to try and meet those needs." - Cynthia,
Japan
"I enjoyed the comprehensive
overview of various listening styles and also the personal
activities in the manual that helped me review my own style and
shortcomings in listening. I also found the discussion
concerning informed consent interesting and relevant both from
an ethical standpoint and as it pertains to doulas."
- Maria, Texas
"This topic helped me identify
with others who don't share my beliefs and values. The manual
covered all the necessary topics that a doula should know. I
liked reading all the information and feel that it was very well
put together." - Naara, New Jersey
"It was such a
varied overlay of topics which are so important when dealing
with the public, and in this case the intimacy of childbirth."
- Laura, Greece
"I don't mean to be flippant
but I really did enjoy everything. Although the most
challenging, communication is the area of doula work that I am
most interested in. It also provides the most scope for learning
and refinement which I will endeavor to continue."
- Mairead, Singapore
"I most enjoyed reading
about different ways to ask client's questions to dig deeper
into how they are feeling about pregnancy, what they are afraid
of, and their birth plans. I find that it is very important to
be able to communicate clearly with the woman, her partner,
primary care provider, and her family as much as possible to
help her feel empowered throughout her pregnancy, labor, birth,
and postpartum." -
Sonija, Washington DC
"I really enjoyed seeing the
change in myself as I took my time going through the reflection
process for a few months. I actually saw many of my ideals and
thoughts change as I journeyed through the reflection process.
That was really great for me to experience, because it was raw
and unexpected." - Taryn, California
"I enjoyed the communication
topic as a whole. I strive to be a better communicator since I
love working with people so much. I would have to say I enjoyed
the reflective practice portion the most. I had to focus on this
much more because of keeping a reflective journal and writing
the communication assignment." - Dawn, South Carolina
"I really like the Language and
Birth unit. It has completely changed the vocabulary I use when
I speak about birth to others. I have a whole new empowered,
woman-focused vocabulary now and it's great. I never thought
about the words I used before and what a negative connotation
they have towards a woman's role in the birth process. I also
enjoyed the reflective practice framework, because it gave me a
much needed tool to work through some of the issues surrounding
the birth of my second child. I will definitely use this as a
debriefing tool." - Tina, QLD, Australia
"I think the communication
unit should be required by all doulas attempting to certify. The
ability to effectively communicate, and especially listen to
women, is by far more important, in my opinion, then any
hands-on techniques! I just can't express enough how strongly I
feel that all doulas should be required to have these lessons. I
have a BA in Social Work and many of the chapters are similar to
what I learned in my college social work classes. I never
thought I would be applying my social work skills to working
with laboring women!"
- Melissa, Ohio
"I was impressed with the
topics covered. I liked learning about body language, and mostly
the cultural differences. Since I am going to be a doula in a
multi-cultural city, I feel it is important to learn the
differences in the communication styles of different cultures. A
lot of the information in this topic can be used outside of the
doula role, in everyday life." - Ila, Texas
"I very much enjoyed the
section on language and culture. My shire council area has the
largest percentage of refugees in my city. I would very much
like to be able to offer my services to these women, however
what I consider to be appropriate with both language and culture
may be offensive or inappropriate for these families. By doing
this topic I have realized the importance of understanding and
adapting what I say and do, in order to effectively communicate
with this group of people."
- Natasha, SA, Australia
"Before I began my doula
training, I earned a four year degree in Social Work. I was at
first skeptical that one module could teach communication skills
effectively. The straightforward, basic approach was a pleasant
surprise. I really appreciated the way the Communication module
was laid out. It was helpful to go from discussing the main
building blocks of listening to active listening and finally to
reflective practice. Each section built on the next one to
thoughtfully explain these skills." - Angi, California
"I have taught lectures on
communication to small businesses. I thought there wasn't much
more I could learn. I LEARNED! The reflective thinking
assignment was very insightful. Also, the MPOWER module will be
very helpful. Thanks!"
- Katrina, Montana
"I think the best thing about
this unit is that it exists, and that it is the biggest of all
the manuals! I was overwhelmed at the idea of all the knowledge
I would need to become a doula when I first started. This unit
helped me to realize that the most important part of the job is
just listening. Listening, reflecting, communicating. There is
no use in having all the knowledge in the world if you can't
express it, or use it in an effective way to apply to the needs
of a particular person." - Leda, Belgium
"I enjoyed the very
practical way that this manual was written, giving me the
'tools' to be able to communicate more effectively with my
clients, peers, other caregivers and family. There were lots of
excellent 'critical thinking activities' and I enjoyed the extra
readings. As I have done previously with other manuals as I read
through I underlined and starred those statements that were new
to me or that I want to flag up for future reference....and
there were many! One that stands out is: 'If you want to build a
successful business you need to create relationships where
people feel listened to, safe about expressing their feelings
with you, and without anxiety when sharing part of their lives
with you.'"
- Fiona, Bermuda
"I really benefited from the
active listening, reflective practice, and the challenge to not
judge or push my own opinions when dealing with
clients/colleagues/care providers. It's something that I feel
will be an eternal struggle for me personally, and I will return
again and again to this module for the skills to deal with it. I
do feel that this may be THE most important module for Doulas;
the skills contained in the Communications module are not ones
that we tend to use on a daily basis in normal interactions,
they require attention, work and mindfulness, and they form the
foundation for the support a Doula should be equipped to offer.
This module was absolutely essential for my growth and
development as a Doula." - Felicity, TAS, Australia
"The wealth of information!
I truly was enthralled with each unit of this topic. It was a
real eye-opener for me. Not only have I gained a sense of what
positive communication is, but I have also gained the tools
necessary to strive for such a level of communication within all
my relationships. I found the readings to be interesting and a
perfect companion to the text."
- Faygie, New York
"I liked the section on Grief &
Loss in particular. I live in a part of the world where people
either grieve privately or are encouraged not to grieve at all.
The practical suggestions (i.e. mementos, taking photographs in
arms, seeing the baby, etc.) were very helpful." - Corinne,
Virginia
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In the UK?
In Australia?