Navigating Difficult Conversations with Clients

This webinar is presented by Switchboard, a one-stop shop for refugee service providers in the United States. Learn more about Switchboard at www.SwitchboardTA.org. Hosted on April 1st, 2026, the training was delivered by Jasmine Griffin, Training Officer, Switchboard; and Maya Wahrman, Training Officer, Switchboard Newcomers often encounter complex, challenging situations as they adjust and integrate into society. Conversations with clients about these challenges can be particularly complicated given past trauma exposure and cultural differences. This webinar recording will offer best practices for navigating these sensitive conversations with a mutually respectful, trauma-informed approach. Participants explored helpful communication strategies through case scenarios to develop skills for engaging clients supportively and effectively. After watching this webinar recording, you will be able to: -Recognize ongoing resettlement challenges, including employment and housing barriers, that require difficult conversations between clients and providers -Identify key communication skills and specific phrases for keeping conversations supportive and respectful for both clients and providers -Apply a trauma-informed and compassionate approach to current client and service provision challenges. Who Will Benefit? -Service providers who want to bolster their communication skills, particularly when discussing difficult topics with clients -Agency supervisors and organizational staff who interact with newcomers or support client-facing staff