Facilitating Communication

The Use of Nonviolent Communication in Therapy

Saturday Dec. 6, 11:00am-4:00pm

Santa Cruz, CA

“Needing help with communication” is one of the most common presenting problems therapists encounter. Most of us have a few tools to offer, such as I-Statements and Reflective Listening. And we usually have a deep understanding of our clients’ underlying interpersonal issues. But what does “individuation” or “good boundaries” or “a supportive relationship” actually sound like when families interact? And how can we coach them to talk to each other in healthier ways?

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a comprehensive set of communication concepts that every therapist should have in their tool bag. This training teaches the principles and techniques of NVC to therapists, so they can offer a detailed response to client’s’ requests for help with communication. Using NVC, a therapist can transform escalating arguments into compassionate and articulate conversations that lead to greater cooperation and connection.

Learning Objectives

*Learn to teach the four main parts of a well-formed expression of emotion.

*Learn to coach couples in real time, as they discuss differences that have previously led to fights.

*Learn four ways to reframe dysfunctional communication to de-escalate conflict and increase genuine understanding.

*Learn the three components of truly effective empathy.

Instructor : Tim Hartnett, PhD, LMFT (CA #27228) is the director of Shine a Light Counseling Center. Tim teaches graduate psychology at JFKU. Tim trained in NVC with founder, Marshall Rosenberg. Author of Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making, Tim has been writing and lecturing on Communication Skills for over 30 years. He brings both wit and candor in his teaching style, engaging participants in both didactic and experiential learning.