Connecting Communication (level 1) | 8 sessions

Introduction to Connecting Communication

(Aka Nonviolent Communication)

For you, if you wish to experience less tension and struggle, and more clarity in your conversations, at home and at work.

For you, if you want to speak from what truly matters to you and listen beyond words.

In eight interactive sessions you learn to communicate from connection rather than defence. We work with real-life situations. The atmosphere is light and safe, with humour, depth, and surprising practicality. The group is small, allowing for personal attention and genuine connection.

What you will learn

• Letting go of the need to be right and moving towards connection with what truly matters.

• Observation versus interpretation, learning to distinguish facts from stories, and what is yours versus what is the other’s.

• Feelings and faux-feelings, developing an emotional vocabulary and recognising feelings in the body.

• Needs as a compass, discovering what truly drives us in life and how this creates connection.

• Requests that respect freedom, asking clearly and invitingly, without fear of hearing no.

• Self-empathy as first aid, practical support when dealing with anger, judgement, and (inner) criticism.

• Transforming conflict into connection by hearing the soft message hidden in blame and (self)judgement.

• Celebrating, grieving, and integration, giving and receiving appreciation without manipulation.

Background

Connecting Communication, also known as Nonviolent Communication, grew out of the work of Marshall Rosenberg. He observed how quickly people lose one another in words, while deep down we all share the same longing: to be understood, to be seen, to matter.

At its core, Connecting Communication is the language of the heart. It is not a technique or a way to sound nicer, but an invitation to live differently, with more awareness, honesty, and gentleness.

It invites listening beyond judgement and beyond what is said, towards what is alive underneath. We discover how anger often carries pain, how criticism points to unmet needs, and how beneath every longing something deeply human is present.

This way of communicating brings us back to where connection begins, with ourselves. Only when we are in touch with our own feelings and needs can we truly recognise those of others. As Marshall Rosenberg said, most conflicts do not arise from malice, but from an inability to express our needs clearly. Connecting Communication supports you in rediscovering that ability, to be honest without creating distance, and to listen without losing yourself.

Dates and times

1. Thursday 5 March at 09.00-12.00

2. Thursday 12 March at 09.00-12.00

3. Thursday19 March at 09.00-12.00

4. Thursday 26 March at 09.00-12.00

5. Thursday 2 April at 09.00-12.00

6. Thursday 9 April at 09.00-12.00

7. Thursday 16 April at 09.00-12.00

8. Thursday 7 May at 09.00-12.00

Group size

The group consists of a minimum of four and a maximum of ten participants. The group is intentionally small to create safety and intimacy. It allows for personal attention and to support a sense of community.

Location

Rooseboomstraat 47, The Hague

Language

English

Investment

550 euros, including 21% VAT.

Participant reviews

“I recently took part in a Connecting Communication training in a small group, and it was a truly valuable experience. I gained a deeper understanding of the core concepts, and the practical exercises really helped everything land. The atmosphere felt very safe and supportive, which made it easy for everyone to open up and share honestly. Gaula is not only highly knowledgeable, but also has a natural ability to create the right conditions for connection and growth. I wholeheartedly recommend this training.”

Madalina Muste

“For most of my adult life I knew I struggled to communicate when I felt frustrated or irritated. I reacted sharply, blamed others, and created unnecessary conflict and pain, exactly what I did not want. I kept asking myself what I could do differently. That is when I discovered Nonviolent Communication. The sessions were engaging, and even when we explored difficult topics it never felt heavy. On the contrary, I felt lighter and more energised after each session. What touched me most was Gaula’s ability to sense what I needed and where I was heading, even before I could fully articulate it myself. The training was truly transformative, not only in how I communicate with others, but also in how I relate to myself.”

Florian Obser

Trainer

This training is facilitated by Gaula Shehadeh. She holds the highest level of mindfulness certification and is a CNVC-certified trainer in Nonviolent Communication. She is often described as down-to-earth, experienced, and gentle, with a touch of humour. You can read more experiences on this website or on the Google reviews. For questions, feel free to contact info@notanother.nl or call 06 24234694.