Mindful Communication Foundations
Learn core tools for effective dialogue
Reduce stress and conflict
Strengthen resilience and empathy
Grow in self-understanding
Communication sits at the center of our lives – personally, socially, and professionally. This six-week course offers in-depth training in the foundations of an integrated approach to communication.
Drawing upon the modern disciplines of Nonviolent Communication, trauma healing, and mindfulness meditation, the curriculum offers concrete tools to hold one’s own while still hearing others, and to engage effectively and efficiently in collaboration.
Through a combination of mindfulness practices, guided reflections and interactive exercises, you will develop a stronger sense of presence, greater access to compassion and more versatile, clearer communication. This six-week series is appropriate for both experienced and newer students. The tools offered will directly enhance the work of psychologists, therapists, school teachers, chaplains, nurses and other helping professionals. CEs are available (details here).
"The combination of mindfulness and communication skills in this class has dramatically shifted how I engage in conversation. It's had an enormous impact on my life, both personally and professionally."
— Dr. Patricia L. Huertas, MD.
“Oren is a master teacher and facilitator. This class will teach you how to manage conflict, embody empathy, and connect with what really matters in every situation.”
— Joshua Berkowitz, Mindfulness Instructor
This course is full.
Please add your name below to join the waitlist.
Each 3-hour Class Includes:
Didactic lecture on a key aspect of interpersonal communication
Instruction in mindfulness practice
Personalized coaching in small groups
Exercises and role plays with a partner
Guided reflections on cognitive, emotional and somatic aspects of communication
What Else You Receive:
Expert training in communication, empathy and resilience
Unique lessons and activities, designed to transform habits step-by-step
80+ page booklet with lecture notes, worksheets and supplementary materials
Weekly communication practice suggestions
Weekly meeting or call with a practice partner (optional)
Life-time access to recordings and class materials
Prerequisites:
No prior experience is necessary. We strongly recommend some familiarity with mindfulness practice, any NVC workshop, and/or reading Oren’s book Say What You Mean. Questions? Check our FAQ.
Logistics
Dates: Mondays, October 14 - November 18, 6:15 - 9:15 pmLocation: Sacred Stream Foundation, 2149 Byron St., Berkeley 94702
Cost: Sliding Scale $350 - $575 (Read more about the sliding scale)
Pay by check: Please email us and we will send you information.
"This training has been extremely valuable in both my professional and personal interactions... I can't recommend this course enough."
— Dr. Michael Aanavi, PhD, LAc
“This class has brought me closer to my family and friends than any other life event. I see the world as a more beautiful place now.”
— Laura W., Middle School Teacher, Oakland, CA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you please explain the sliding scale? How much should I pay?
The sliding scale is designed to make this class accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of means or income level. We ask that you pay at the highest level that is sustainable for you, which helps to make it possible for others to attend who have less financial means at present.
What if I can’t afford the sliding scale? Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, we do offer scholarships for this class. To request a scholarship, please complete the form here.
I took your 12-week course “Say What You Mean,” based on the book. Will this be different?
This course will cover some of the same material from the 12-week online course, but will include additional practices and exercises. We’re confident you will deepen your learning and enhance your skills by taking this course.
Do I need to read the book to take this class?
We strongly recommend reading the book Say What You Mean prior to or during the class. It will provide a complete framework and solid foundation for the learning in the course.
What is the size of the class?
This class may have up to 45 participants. However, the class is staffed with highly experienced and skilled assistants, who will help to lead small group activities and coaching. The Student : Teacher ratio will be 5:1 or less. The class itself is taught entirely by Oren, with ample opportunities for coaching, Q&A, and personal exchanges.
I have to miss a class. Will it recorded?
Yes. All of the classes will be recorded (audio) and available for listening / download within 48 hours. If you need to miss a class, we ask that you listen to the recordings and do the exercises with your partner so that you are caught up with the rest of the group by the following week.
Does the course include anything else other than the weekly classes?
Yes. The course includes an 85 page resource guide with lecture notes, exercises, and suggested activities. You will also have the opportunity to be paired with another participant to do partner practice exercises between classes.
How much time will it take me to participate in the course each week?
That depends on you. In addition to the 3-hour class itself, the reading and homework could take as little as 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you prefer to devote more time. We recommend spending at least another hour per week doing the practices. Some participants may choose to spend more or less time depending on their schedule.
I can’t make it at 6:15 pm due to my work schedule. Is it okay to arrive late?
While we encourage participants to arrive on time, we understand that this isn’t always possible due to traffic, work schedules, and other circumstances. If you are unable to arrive on time, we ask that you arrive NO LATER than 6:30pm. Arriving any later would be disruptive to the flow of the class and would leave you out of sync with the group.
Is it okay to bring food? Will there be a break? Is there a refrigerator or someplace to heat food?
Yes. We understand that many participants will be coming after work and will need time to eat. There is a refrigerator, microwave, and full kitchen on site. Each class includes a 15-minute break from roughly 7:45-8:00pm. You are welcome to bring your own food to eat during the break. There is no food or drink (except water) permitted in the main classroom.
My schedule changed and I’m no longer available on Monday evenings. Can I get a refund?
If you cancel three weeks or more prior to October 14, you can receive a full refund, less a $35 administrative fee. If you cancel 14-21 days prior to the course, you can receive a 50% refund less administrative fees. There are no refunds less than two weeks prior to the class. Please email us if you need to cancel.
Is there a cost for CEs and Professional Teacher credits? How do I apply?
Yes. Please see here for complete information on CEs.
Continuing Education & Professional Graduate Credits:
Health care professionals will be able to incorporate the practices and perspectives offered during this training when working with clients, patients and coworkers. Mindful Communication enhances the quality of relationships and improves the ease and efficiency of information flow in a clinical setting. The skills of this workshop are designed to: develop a supportive environment for patients and clients by strengthening empathy and emotional attunement; improve rapport and reduce clinical errors by refining the clarity of information expressed and received; and reduce interpersonal conflict, workplace stress and burnout with resiliency training.
Download course syllabus and learning objectives.
This course is eligible for 18 Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists and California licensed MFTs, LCSWs, LEPs, LPCCs, nurses and chaplains. To qualify to receive the certificate of completion, participants must pay an additional fee and attend all six classes in full. Continuing Education credit is sponsored by the Spiritual Competency Resource Center (SCRC):
The SCRC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists and maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs from APA approved agencies.
SCRC is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California.
For questions, visit www.spiritualcompetency.com or contact David Lukoff, PhD at CE@spiritualcompetency.com.
Additional Testimonials:
“Take this class. It will provide you with tools to break patterns and communicate in a way that will enhance all of your relationships.” — Participant
“Oren has a deep experience and understanding of NVC with the flexibility to apply it to each person practice. I’ve been impressed to notice how he meets each student where they are and finds the heart of the situation.” — Nancy, Horticulturalist, Berkeley CA
“Oren is well-organized… and leads the class in a way that is useful for people of all ages and different skill sets. I truly believe that this class could have saved most of my past relationships. [Since taking it]… I am opening the door to creating the level of connection and communication I have sought my whole life. ” — Liz Walton, Yoga Instructor
“I deeply appreciate the depth of insight, clarity, honesty and compassion that I experienced in this class. The integration with meditation and embodiment helped me connect to the NVC practice at a depth that I hadn’t experienced before.” — Helen Kwon, Development Coordinator
“After this workshop I feel a greater sense of trust and connection with myself and others. I feel like I know better how to approach the world with my full self.” — Patrick S., Marriage and Family Therapist