Two Nonviolent Communication Workshops coming to PhinneyWood
Photo by Dwayne joe on Unsplash
How do you navigate a difficult conversation without falling into blame, defensiveness, or misunderstanding? And how can you express what you actually need while still making room to hear the person on the other side?
A Center for Restorative Solutions Seattle is offering two upcoming in-person workshops exploring those questions through Nonviolent Communication (NVC), an approach to communication centered around empathy, honesty, self-awareness, and connection. Led by facilitator Pam Orbach, the workshops offer two different entry points: a two-day introduction for people who are new to NVC, followed the next weekend by a deeper dive for those who already have some familiarity with the practice.
Whether you’re interested in communicating differently with a partner or family member, navigating challenging workplace conversations, working within community organizations, or simply becoming more aware of your own patterns when conflict arises, the two workshops offer an opportunity to slow those interactions down and practice another approach.
Learn more about the Level 1 workshop on the PhinneyWood Community Calendar or through A Center for Restorative Solutions Seattle.
Level 1: An Introduction to Compassionate Communication
Saturday & Sunday, September 26–27 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Greenwood
The two-day Compassionate Communication Level 1 workshop introduces participants to the foundations of Nonviolent Communication and its role in restorative practice. Designed for anyone interested in developing greater self-connection and more meaningful engagement with others, the workshop will combine teaching and practice around skills for communicating with greater honesty and empathy.
Participants will explore foundational NVC concepts such as separating observable facts from interpretations, recognizing the assumptions that can fuel conflict, and developing practices intended to reduce blame and shame while creating more opportunities for genuine connection.
No previous NVC experience is necessary. The workshop takes place in person in Greenwood, with the specific address shared upon registration.
Saturday, October 3 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | North Seattle
For those who already know the basics, NVC Level 2: Deepening NVC offers a full day to strengthen those skills and explore how they work in more complex situations. Also led by Pam Orbach, the follow-on workshop uses a combination of teaching, experiential exercises, and community practice to revisit and expand upon foundational NVC skills.
Participants will also look beyond individual conversations to consider how NVC principles intersect with the ways we frame the world and the power structures that shape our experiences—and how greater awareness of those forces can create more choice and intention in the ways we engage with others.
Level 2 is designed as a continuation for people who have completed an introductory NVC training, although anyone with a basic understanding of the model is welcome. The workshop has a $200 value, with sliding-scale rates available.
Questions about either workshop can be directed to [email protected].