Course #3: Introduction to Person Centered Thinking and Practice (UofMN)

In-person training or in-person facilitation supported by video or online material

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, participants will understand the following:

• The philosophy and application of person centered practice
• How to use person-centered thinking tools to gather a deeper understanding of the people we support including those from culturally diverse backgrounds
• How to use what is learned about a person to assist them in creating a life they value.
• How to have "power with" a person rather than "power over"
• How to balance what is important to a person and what is important for her or him. 
• How to use respectful listening and engagement skills to develop plans that support people in:
  • Having positive control over the lives they desire
  • Being recognized and valued for their contributions
  • Being supported in a web of relationships, both natural and paid within their communities.

Course Competencies:

Knowledge:   

• Understands philosophy and importance of person centeredness, self-direction/self-determination and independent living and  importance of each person directing  the planning process  
• Understands that people will have different needs, including those that must be addressed immediately and those that will need additional discussion and planning
• Understands that people may have difficulty communicating due to physical, medical, intellectual, or cultural issues.
• Understands that family, caregivers, and community may provide important  informal and formal supports
• Understand that the person is the one who determines what the best option is for him/her unless he/she requests that another person make the decision; or there is a legally mandated representative
• Understands the importance of cross-cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity on the context of person centered planning and thinking.  
• Understands that choosing the best options can be challenging to the person and/or family, and may create conflicts within families
• Understands what a person-centered is and that it can take many different forms depending on the needs and preferences of the person. 

Skills and Abilities: 

• Able to work with the person to identify most appropriate approaches to resolve immediate needs
• Able to keep the person at center of process when family or others are part of interview
• Able to use active listening and engagement skills to understand the person's approach, views, what is important to and for him/her
• Able to engage people with different cultural, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds and seek assistance as necessary. 
• Able to encourage information sharing from the person  and family using tools such as open ended questions, a communication chart, problem solving and, decision support, motivational interviewing  techniques