Nonviolent Communication — Deepening Practice
Cultivating empathy through practice and real conversation.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC), as developed by Marshall Rosenberg, supports us in giving and receiving from the heart. By learning to listen for the feelings and needs beneath words, we create the possibility of deeper understanding, mutual care, and more harmonious relationships. Join us to explore and strengthen your capacity for empathy, clarity, and authentic connection through guided practice and real-life exploration.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a practical and compassionate approach to communication that helps people connect with their own needs and the needs of others so that everyone’s needs can be honoured as fully as possible. When practised in this spirit, giving can feel joyful and natural, and receiving can feel nourishing and welcome. NVC supports relationships rooted in authenticity, respect, and mutual understanding.
This workshop is facilitated by Sylvie Ducharme, who brings about ten years of personal practice in Nonviolent Communication along with several years of teaching experience. She offers a grounded and supportive learning environment where participants can deepen their understanding and practical application of NVC.
As part of the session, Sylvie will share a short video segment featuring Marshall Rosenberg, whose ability to embody the essence of Nonviolent Communication offers a powerful model for learning. The video portion will be brief, allowing ample time for experiential practice.
Participants will engage in guided exercises, discussion, and opportunities for questions. When appropriate and comfortable, we may explore real-life situations or relationship challenges using the NVC framework. Working with authentic examples often provides one of the most meaningful ways to build skill and confidence.
A central focus of the workshop will be the practice of empathy. Participants will learn to listen for underlying feelings and needs and practise offering empathic reflections in a way that feels respectful and supportive. Handouts will be provided, including both concise and expanded lists of feelings and needs vocabulary to support learning at different levels of familiarity.
We will begin with identifying feelings and gradually expand into recognising needs, allowing participants to experience both offering and receiving empathic presence. Many people find this process deeply connecting and supportive.
This workshop is held in a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment where participants can deepen their understanding of Nonviolent Communication and strengthen their capacity for compassionate connection.