When talking hasn’t worked…and keeping quiet hasn’t either!

We all have particular situations in our lives when we get stuck with our communication. We end up having the same conversations again and again, hoping it’ll go differently. Or else we give up altogether, and try to put up with being dissatisfied.

Maybe it’s with the kids over screen-time or bed-time. Or with your partner over sharing housework. Maybe you’ve been hoping for more affection, but you haven’t quite managed to express it in a way that makes a difference. Maybe there’s a colleague who repeatedly crosses a boundary, and you’ve never been sure how to bring it up. Or perhaps there’s an unspoken topic that you’d like to finally talk about with a family member.

Often we find ourselves caught in one of two familiar patterns:

Repeatedly asking for the same thing in a way that leads to conflict - from kids eye-rolling and saying ‘whatever’, to a full-blown argument with your partner. They experience you as nagging, or demanding, and they get defensive…and you never get heard for the fact that you’re asking for something perfectly reasonable!
Not saying anything for the sake of keeping the peace. Over time you build up resentment, you end up feeling disconnected, and you give up hope of ever getting what you really want.

At this one day workshop, we’ll explore ways to speak up for our needs in a way that has a much higher chance of ‘landing’ in the way that we intend it. And might actually make a real difference to our lives., or open the door to a different type of connection.

What to expect

Using the tools of Nonviolent Communication, we’ll work with real situations from your life. There will be space for reflection, small-group practice, and guided processes to help you apply what you’re learning to the issue that brought you here. We’ll explore how to:

notice and shift the patterns that keep conversations stuck
recognise the kind of language that trips us up, and tends to trigger the other person
express what really matters to you without blame or demand
ask for what you want in a way that the other person is much more willing to agree to

dialogue that has an impact — The intention is that by the end of the day you’ll feel clearer, more connected, and better equipped to have the conversations that matter most. You’ll leave with tools you can use right away, as well as with a fresh sense of what’s possible in communicating with the important people in your life.

Event Details

The event will run from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, with an hour break for lunch, and comfort breaks mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Refreshments will be provided at break times, as well as a light lunch of soup and bread (participants may also being a packed lunch if they prefer).

The workshop takes place in Cloughjordan Ecovillage in Tipperary. This is on the train line from Dublin and Limerick, so it's accessible by public transport from most parts of Ireland. B&B or hostel accommodation is available locally fro those who prefer to stay overnight.

The workshop will be hosted by NVC trainer Mel White.

More info about Mel

Is this the right event for you?

This day is open to anyone who wants to bring more understanding and effectiveness to their relationships, at home, at work, or anywhere communication matters.

No prior experience of Nonviolent Communication is necessary, although if you are already familiar with NVC this workshop will offer a chance to go deeper through practice and real-life application.

Pay what you can afford!

We don't want anyone to miss this opportunity for financial reasons, so we're offering a sliding scale from €65-€120 for the full day, which includes lunch, drinks, and snacks.

For full transparency: the lower rates are not enough to cover our running costs - we hope some people will be willing to pay more to support those who would struggle to pay the full amount. If the minimum recommended contribution is still not accessible for you, please get in touch to discuss bursary, concessions, or other gift economy offerings.