The Gifts of Compassionate Communication Weekend Workshop

Are you:

• experiencing recurring conflicts?
• wanting to deal with conflict more effectively?
• often feeling attacked, disrespected, judged, or misunderstood?
• struggling to manage your reactivity in key relationships?
• feeling powerless or “less than” in relationship with others?
• longing to feel more empowered and creatively in charge of your life?
• frustrated that things aren’t working out the way you want?

If any of these resonate, “The Gifts of Compassionate Communication”—a 2-day foundational training—may be just what you’re looking for.

This interactive, experiential workshop introduces the tools and principles of Compassionate Communication (also known as Nonviolent Communication or NVC). It's ideal for both beginners and those wanting a refresher. In a safe and supportive space, you'll be gently guided to explore key interactions and relationships in your life, building clarity, confidence, and connection.

You'll learn how to:

✓ Resolve conflicts peacefully
✓ Cultivate more meaningful relationships
✓ Respond instead of react
✓ Develop deeper self-awareness
✓ Transform your inner critic
✓ Set and hold stronger boundaries
✓ Avoid burnout and create balance
✓ Clarify what really matters to you
✓ Deepen your empathy skills
✓ Support others without overextending yourself
✓ Be more authentically you
✓ Direct your life energy with clarity and discernment

You'll explore:

• Presence and deep listening
• Being clear and courageous about what you want
• Leaning into conflict and tension in a safe, empowering way
• Why communication so easily leads to conflict—and how to shift that
• Unlearning ingrained habits that no longer serve connection
• Nervous system regulation tools
• The 4 steps for transforming judgments into connection
• Speaking with honesty and empathy
• Setting and maintaining boundaries
• Building emotional literacy and self-compassion
• Nurturing relationships that matter
• Making clear, empowered requests
• What to do when it’s all going pear-shaped
• Growing a practice of gratitude and appreciation

You'll receive

• Skilled facilitation from Certified and Experienced NVC Trainers
• Support from a team of experienced assistant trainers
• Comprehensive reference materials
• Guided small-group practice

Meet your facilitators

Alistair McKinnon is a certified trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC), a somatic mindfulness psychotherapist trained in the Hakomi method, and a Certified Focusing Professional. He brings years of experience in NVC training and trauma-informed counselling with individuals and couples. Learn more at consciousdirections.com.au.

Filippa Araki is also a CNVC-certified trainer, with over 30 years of experience as a communications educator. She has shared her passion for Compassionate Communication for more than a decade through workshops, online programs, and one-on-one coaching. Filippa also draws on training in Focusing, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Learn more at compassionlounge.com.

Video Testimonials

Belinda's Testimonial

Vera's Testimonial

Scott's Testimonial

Silvia's Testimonial

Photos from Previous Workshops