Effective Conversations Workshops

Physician Health Program Sponsored Compassionate Communication Workshops

What is Compassionate Communication?

Compassionate Communication is a four-step communication model that helps us to express ourselves more clearly and hear others more effectively. It is both an attitude and a set of skills that can enhance personal and professional relationships and strengthen our ability to effectively address difficult interpersonal issues.

The four-step process encourages us to:

  • OBSERVE what is actually happening in a situation that is affecting our well-being or how we feel – positively or negatively
  • Identify and express how we FEEL in relation to this observation
  • Articulate what NEEDS are connected to the feelings we have identified
  • Make a very specific REQUEST that indicates what we would like in order to satisfy the needs that we have identified

In addition to honestly expressing our observations, feelings, needs and requests, it helps us to listen effectively and to hear with empathy this information from others.

Why choose Compassionate Communication?

  • To facilitate connection and foster interactions that inspire goodwill and co-operation
  • To raise awareness and examine conditioned responses
  • To build and maintain healthy organizations

How can I book a workshop in my area?

Contact the PHP by phone at 604-742-0747 or by email and we'll ask for some details about your location and your group, and will answer any questions that you have.

Where can I learn more about the background of the PHP-sponsored workshops?

You can read more about the background of the PHP-sponsored Compassionate Communication Workshops on this page.

How can I learn more about this topic?

The Compassionate Communication framework that we are teaching is based on the work of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, a world-renowned clinical psychologist and international peacemaker. His extensive writing and teaching on compassionate (nonviolent) communication provides a conceptual model that is effective and applicable in almost any form of interpersonal communication. There are many resources available for furthering your knowledge of Compassionate Communication. You might find the following links useful:

You might also find the following books interesting:

  • Rosenberg, Marshall. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. Encinitas: PuddleDancer Press, 2003.
  • Leu, Lucy. Nonviolent Communication Companion Workbook: A Practical Guide for Individual, Group or Classroom Studies. 2004.
  • Klein, Shari and Gibson, Neill. What’s Making You Angry? 10 Steps to Transforming Anger so Everyone Wins. Encinitas: PuddleDancer Press. 2005.
  • Sutton, Robert. The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t. New York: Hachette Book Group, 2007.
  • Lamb, Rachelle. Essentials of Non-violent Communication: Reference and Exercise Manual. 2005. (Available at www.rachellelamb.com)
  • Lamb, Rachelle. NVC Communication Basics: A Concise Overview of Non-violent Communication. 2005. (Available at www.rachellelamb.com)
  • These and many other titles are available at http://cnvc.org/en/bookstore/cnvc-store-printed-items.

Upcoming Workshops
note: Attendance to some of these workshops are restricted to members of co-sponsoring departments or facilities. However, if you are interested in attending a workshop, please do not hesitate to call. We can discuss options about attending the currently planned workshops, or assist you in planning a workshop in your area.