I am currently doing some Nonviolent Communication related work in a school that is known for students getting in fights with each other. If it isn’t daily, fights certainly happen weekly, and it isn’t because these kids are “bad” or “unruly”. It’s because they have trauma and fighting is the

Conflict in the workplace is almost inevitable. With power dynamics, different personalities, limited resources, personal issues, and miscommunications, it is a wonder how anyone gets any work done sometimes. My guess is, if you are reading this, it is likely that you have had a conflict within your place of

There’s a buzzword bouncing around social justice, mindfulness and mental health circles lately: “radical empathy”. It sounds intense and important. “Radical”, when attached to a general idea or technique, carries a certain exigence. But what does it really mean? When it comes to empathy, is there a difference between empathy

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, the impacts of trauma are more prevalent than ever before. Students enter classrooms carrying a diverse range of traumatic experiences, from personal hardships to broader societal challenges. Ideally, educators understand and address these experiences, creating safe and supportive environments that foster healing and growth.

Mindful communication refers to the practice of engaging in conscious and intentional communication with others. It involves being fully present and aware of both oneself and the other person during a conversation or interaction. Mindful communication aims to foster understanding, compassion, and connection by promoting clarity, active listening, and non-judgmental

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a powerful framework developed by Marshall B. Rosenberg for fostering empathy, understanding, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Nonviolent Communication focuses on observable facts, feelings, fundamental human needs, and making requests – and this focus intentionally steers users away from blame and judgment. By practicing NVC, individuals

Restorative practices refer to a set of strategies and approaches used to address conflicts, build relationships, and create a positive and inclusive community. These practices focus on repairing harm, promoting accountability, and fostering empathy and understanding among individuals. Restorative practices can be applied in various settings, including schools, workplaces, justice

In any relationship, whether it’s with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, emotional safety lays the foundation for trust, vulnerability, and deep connection. When we experience emotional safety, we can express our thoughts, feelings, and needs openly, knowing that we will be heard, respected, and supported. It is within

The power of intentionality has been trending lately, and I am here for it. In a world filled with distractions and constant demands for our attention, being intentional has become more important than ever. Being intentional means actively choosing and directing your thoughts, actions, and energy towards the things that

Empathy is a crucial component of effective communication and a key factor in building strong relationships. Empathy is the ability to hear and understand the feelings and needs of others, which is essential in creating a harmonious and productive working environment. Empathy training is a way to develop and enhance

Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication teaches us what empathy is, and also what empathy is not. He defines this latter category as “other conversational responses” (or OCRs for short). Other conversational responses account for most of the language we use day to day. These OCRs are not all inherently bad. Some

Empathy is a critical skill that allows us to truly understand others and connect with them on a deep level. When we empathize, we step outside of our own thoughts and give someone else an experience of truly being heard. It helps us build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts, and create