An overview of the eight modules are as follows:
1. Differentiating between feelings and thoughts
Participants learn the difference between thoughts, feelings and story feelings.
They will experience why it’s important to express to our partners how we feel about
a situation rather than just our thoughts/judgments.
They will learn to recognize and identify feelings/emotions in their bodies as a
resource for self awareness and self connection. They will develop an
understanding that feelings are important messengers which support us to connect
to our needs. They will learn the importance of choosing to notice feelings and
exploring the connecting need, rather than reacting to the feeling/emotion.
2. Connecting feelings to needs and needs to strategies
Participants learn to understand the concept of needs and learn to differentiate
needs from Strategies. They will experience how one need can be met by a
variety of different strategies and how by choosing one particular strategy other
needs may or may not get met. They will gain perspective and understanding
that the strategies which meet needs for them may not meet the same
needs for their partner.
3. Listening and Empathy
Participants will learn to listen for feelings and needs in what their partner is
saying. They will experience the difference between receiving empathy and
receiving other forms of intended support such as, sympathy, reassurance,
distraction, companionship etc... They will learn that they can acknowledge
their partners experience and emotions without agreeing with their partners
strategy and how empowering, connecting and liberating that skill can be.
4. Observations verses evaluations
Participants will learn the importance of using observations in expression rather
than evaluations. They will get to experience the difference between the two
and understand for themselves why it makes a difference. They will learn to
distinguish between their interpretation of a situation and the reality.
5. Self Empathy
Participants learn to recognize and observe their judgments and evaluations and
use them to connect to their feelings and needs as a way to gain deeper self
understanding and clarity. They will learn to recognize the meaning they are
making of a situation and how to check out the reality of it.
6. Making requests
Participants learn the importance of requests as part of expression and how to
craft a request that will meet their needs and their partners. They will learn
the difference between a request and a demand. They will learn how to hear
and say no.
7. Practicing honest expression
In a supportive framework, participants bring what they have learned in the
previous modules together to practice connecting, clear, effective and self
responsible communication.
8. Receiving and giving gratitude and appreciation and Expressing Regret
Participants use the learning from the previous modules to craft
appreciation and gratitude towards themselves and their partners.
They will learn to express gratitude that far extends beyond the casual thank you.
They will learn to express regret for their partners needs not being met as a
consequence of something they did or said in a way that is authentic,
believable and connecting.
Do not worry if our harp breaks
thousands more will appear
We have fallen in the arms of love where all is music
If all the harps in the world
were burned down
still inside the heart there
will be hidden music playing
Do not worry if the all the
candles in the world flicker and die
we have the spark that
starts the fire
The songs we sing
are like foam on the surface
of the sea of being
while the precious gems
lie deep beneath.
But the tenderness in our songs
is a reflection of what is
hidden in the depths
Stop the flow of your words,
open the window of your heart and
let the spirit speak
Rumi
This is a 20 hour 8 module workshop based on the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and mindfulness.
The 8 modules covered are specific to couple dynamics and are delivered in an experiential group setting. Each module builds upon the previous one with the intention of creating a structured map to make sense of where we get stuck and disconnect, and how to move through our differences with care, regard and clarity.
Developing confidence and competence in this framework empowers us to make sense of our own feelings, needs and perspectives while also learning how to understand our partner's feelings, needs and perspectives. When we can move from a position of protectiveness, fear and blame towards curiousity, understanding and acceptance, we find that the opportunity to find a nuetral meeting ground and a richer and more rewarding connection opens up.
Course Fee: $250 for Individuals and $480 for Couples
To Register for the next workshop 27 April -June 15th 2016 Click Here