My work centers on the well-established model called Compassionate Communication (CC), also known as Nonviolent Communication (NVC). This model is based on the belief that our natural state is one of Empathy, in which the heart and mind are nonjudgmental. Developed in the 1960s by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, it is world-renowned as a transformational tool of communication, used for personal growth, conflict resolution, relationship healing, and community building.
CC begins by assuming that we are all compassionate by nature and that judgmental, damaging strategies — whether verbal or physical, aimed at others or at ourselves — are learned behaviors taught and supported by the prevailing culture. CC also assumes that we all share the same basic natural human needs, and that our verbal and physical actions are always attempts to meet these needs; our troubles arise from tragic, nonfunctional strategies.
People who practice CC have found greater authenticity in their communication, increased understanding, deepening connection and enhanced conflict resolution.
CC can help you learn to:
• Stay centered and connected in tense conversations
• Avoid judgment, blame and guilt
• Preserve connection despite disagreement
• Transform criticism of self and others
• Enjoy the magic of Empathy for self and others
This is an instantly applicable, functional model (although not easy!) that you can use with children, partners, co-workers, total strangers, and yourself. I hope you’ll join me, and our growing NVC community!
The NVC / CC community is active in over 65 countries around the globe. Find out more about how CC is changing the world at the following websites (hover over the underlined text with your mouse until the links are highlighted, and then click):
– The Center for Nonviolent Communication: cnvc.org, the national organization.
– The Oregon Network for Compassionate Communication: orncc.net, for local connections and events, including my own.
**NEW!** I’m excited to share that I’ve figured out how to make YouTube videos of my own recorded presentations! Here are two recent ones that are introductions to NVC, or Compassionate Communication: (apologies, I haven’t figured out editing yet 🙂
– An online 2-hour webinar given for the Oregon State University Academy for Lifelong Learning, in 2021, is HERE.
– An online 90-minute inservice for the Old Mill Center for Children and Families is HERE.
– Other YouTube videos are plentiful: try this 10-minute one, or this 1-hour one, or this 3-hour one (all of the master, Marshall Rosenberg), or others you’ll find listed there. Another video channel I enjoy is called, “Cup of Empathy”, with Marianne van Dijk, a NVC teacher based in Amsterdam.
– The book you’ll want to read: Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, by Marshall Rosenberg. There is also a companion workbook for self- or group study, by Lucy Leu. Both are available at libraries and bookstores, or direct from the publisher, Puddledancer Press; they also publish virtually all the NVC books on the market, so are wonderful to support.
– Weekly free email lessons from LaShelle Lowe-Charde can be subscribed to here; called “Gems”, they are great little tidbits of how to walk the talk.
** Please Note: As every trainer has a unique perspective and style, and as the material is so deep and rich, please be aware that all “Intro” courses are not created identical!! I, for example, have taken at least five, and I always learn a lot, even when I take from the same trainer. Everyone, beginner and continuer, is welcome at my “Intro” courses.
Please see my specific scheduled public offerings listed on the Group Personal Trainings and Events pages, and click on them for full descriptions.