Communication Works brings Nonviolent Communication, also called Compassionate Communication, to businesses and organizations, individuals, couples and families via workshops, training sessions, online classes, immersion programs and retreats. Communication Works utilizes the four-component model of Compassionate Communication to help you bring new awareness and high quality connection to all your relationships.
This work gives you powerful tools for:
- Expressing yourself with clarity and ease
- Understanding others clearly and deeply
- Decreasing anger, defensiveness and reactivity
- Transforming conflicts into collaborative dilemmas
- Creating win/win outcomes
- Communicating with respect for self and others
- Responding to needs with compassion
- Personal healing and transformation
- Living in alignment with your deepest values
- Creating relationships that provide greater appreciation, acceptance, harmony and enjoyment.
- And much more
Training Descriptions are followed by suggested training progressions for in-person and distance learning.
Training Descriptions
Introductory Event
A short, low-cost workshop experience to give you a taste of Compassionate Communication. Bring friends and family and see how you can begin to transform your relationships. Or schedule an introductory event for your organization, business, association, or group of friends.
Upcoming introductory events Spring 2026
From Conflict to Connection – Tuesday March 24th, 2026 6-7pm MDT
The Power of empathy in Difficult Conversations – Saturday March 28th, 2026 8:30-9:30am MDT
From Blame to Connection – Monday, March 30th, 2026 5:30-6:30pm MDT
Speak the Heart of the Matter – Tuesday April 8, 2026 6-8pm MDT
Conflict to Connection – Tuesday April 14, 2026 12-1pm MDT
Empathy Now – Tuesday may 5, 2026 11am-12pm MDT
Blame to Connection – Thursday May 14, 2026 6-7pm MDT
Transform Self-Criticism – Saturday May 30, 2026 9-10:30am MDT
The one-day Compassionate Communication Basic workshop will give you the basics of the model, and practice in the components of the model and application for empathic listening and honest expression. This is a great place to start for your first exposure to the work or to dive in if you have attended an introductory class or presentation. You will leave with powerful tools to start making changes that will improve your relationships. This workshop makes for a fun and interactive retreat day for your group or organization!
Foundations Training Level I – Weekend or Eight-week Series
Dive in and develop a strong foundation in Compassionate Communication/NVC. This training is for those new to the work, or who have participated in an introductory or one-day workshop. This weekend training will give you an experience of the principles, components and practices of this powerful model of communication. With lots of coaching and hands on work, you will learn and practice the skills for self-connection, honest expression, empathic listening and self-empathy. You will walk away with a deeper understanding of human nature and motivation. You will know how to transform judgments, criticism and blame into understanding and open hearted willingness to work out issues through caring communication. Taking this transformative workshop will jumpstart you on your learning journey. September 15-17, 2023 Weekend training, September 28-November 16, 2023 Weekly training.
Foundations Training Level II – Weekend or Eight-week Series
This training is for those who have taken a Foundations Level I course in person or via tele-class with Kathy or another trainer. Continue your development of the foundational skills and consciousness of Compassionate Communication/NVC. Through information, demonstration, exercises and role-plays you will increase your abilities and confidence. Topics included in this workshop include; Saying and hearing a “no” with compassion, the power of clear requests, dialogue skill building, handling difficult to hear messages, deepening your empathy skills, managing your reactivity, and transforming enemy images. Details and Registration Here.
Short video about this training click here.
Online Courses
The Foundational Training is offered as an eight-week course, sixteen hours training time. This can be followed up by joining an Integration and Practice Series or a Foundations Level II Training. Beginning, and intermediate courses may be offered weekly in six to eight-week series. Each class session offers teaching on a specific topic, breakout ses
sions for coached practice, and group sharing and questions. This is a great way to support your ongoing integration and practical application of your learning after taking a basic or foundational workshop or tele-course. Details and Registration Here.
Deepening Days
Deepening Days are day-long workshops that focus on one topic and work to delve deeply into exploring, practicing and integrating a particular application of Compassionate Communication in daily life. They are oriented toward learners who have a good understanding of the basics of the work. Example topics: Deepening Self-empathy, Transforming Enemy Images, Being in Empathy, Resonance in Deep Listening, Expressing Naturally from the Heart, Managing Reactivity, Dialogue and Conflict, Reconciliation. Details and Registration Here.
Fishbowl Events. 3-4 hours
Fishbowl events are designed as brief intensive learning experiences three to four hours in duration focusing on a particular skill or skill set. The fishbowl strategy offers learning through coached practice in the center of the group, demonstrations, modeling and observation, questions and debriefing. All the activities are done as a supportive community of learners. Everyone present contributes to creating and holding a safe and caring learning space. This is a powerful learning, and often healing, experience for everyone present, whether you are in the fishbowl or observing. These events are open to participants who have had some basic training. Details and Registration Here.
Nine-Month Immersion & Trainer Development Program (TDP) – Intermediate to Advanced Level training.
The NVC Trainer Development Program is an opportunity to dive deeply into NVC/Compassionate Communication for self-development and for those who may want to facilitate, teach, or become certified trainers with the Center for Nonviolent Communication. Over the course of eight months, through monthly retreats, private coaching sessions, conference calls, and buddy support, you will explore many applications of NVC and work and play within a committed and safe group to integrate and embody the consciousness and skills. We will focus on learning from the perspective of a participant and a facilitator. You will build your capacity for being present and living from NVC consciousness. Many aspects of teaching and facilitating are focused upon. I am confident that your confidence as a practitioner and facilitator will grow as you experience this training and the support it offers. This program will combine in-person events and tele-conferences. Details and Registration Here.
Apprenticeship Program – This program supports graduates of the Trainer Development Program in taking learning and sharing to the next level.
This is a personalized program that may include:
Assistantship in a Trainer Development Program
Assistantship at Foundation Trainings, Deepening Days and Fish Bowl events
Supporting Tele-classes and conference calls as a coach
Providing support to participants in on-line learning programs
Leading Introductory events and practice groups
All of these activities will include supervision, coaching and insight debriefing sessions to support your development.
Please contact me directly to explore your options for the Apprenticeship Program.
Relationships: Clear. Empowered. Together. – Couples & Relationship focused Workshops
Offered in the summers with Kathy Ziola and Co-trainer David Shindoll, CNVC Certified Trainers. Learn to create relationships that work for you and the most important people in your life. These workshops will help couples build care and trust through utilizing the skills and awareness provided by Compassionate Communication. Couples learn how to use challenges to increase intimacy through authentic expression, deep listening and effective self-connection. Details and Registration here.
Private Coaching Sessions
You are unique. Your challenges are unique to you. Sometimes you just feel stuck and need a new perspective, understanding, some practice, and some tools to help move you forward. Private coaching sessions can provide all this and more. I will coach you in living into your goals, your deepest values and your heart’s desire, whether it is at work, in your personal relationships, or in coming to deeper life satisfaction and joy. If you want to increase your capacity to handle the tough situations and enjoy the good ones, personal coaching is for you. You will receive support for your unique goals by moving through your patterns and resistance, learning specific tools for improved relationships, and expanding your ability to be fully present so you can feel confident in moving through your life empowered with authenticity. Sessions may be held in person, by phone, or via Skype. Sessions may be recorded.
Email or call now for an appointment.
Curriculum Progressions
You may choose to receive all your training either in person or via tele-courses, or you may choose to combine the in-person events and tele-course support for integration and practice.
In-Person Personal Development Track:
Level I Foundations Weekend Training event
Level II Foundations Weekend Training event
Integration and Practice Series suggested between Trainings
Private Coaching sessions for individual practical application is a supportive option between trainings as well. Packages available.
Fish Bowl Events
Deepening Days
Four Month Immersion Program for personal growth
In-Person NVC Facilitator Track:
Level I Foundations Weekend Training event
Level II Foundations Weekend Training event
Integration and Practice Group via Tele-class suggested between Trainings
Private Coaching sessions for individual practical application is a supportive option between trainings as well.
Fish Bowl Events
Deepening Days
NVC Immersion & Trainer Development Program – nine months
Apprenticeship
Online Course Path
Level I Foundations
Level II Foundations
Integration and Practice Series