Feedback Without Friction

Give and Receive Feedback Without Defensiveness, Shutdown, or Conflict

A Trauma-Informed, Nonviolent Communication-Based Workshop

Learn practical tools to create more honest, connected, and productive conversations—at work, at home, and in every relationship that matters.

Tuesday June 16, 2026, 11am -1pm MDT

Does Feedback Often Lead to Tension Instead of Connection?

Have you ever:

• Avoided an important conversation because you feared conflict?
• Become defensive when receiving feedback—even when you wanted to stay open?
• Struggled to express concerns without sounding critical or harsh?
• Left conversations feeling misunderstood, shut down, or emotionally exhausted?
• Wanted to be honest while still preserving trust and connection?

You are not alone.

For many people, feedback quickly activates stress, defensiveness, people-pleasing, blame, shame, or withdrawal. Even small conversations can feel emotionally loaded when our nervous systems perceive criticism, rejection, or disconnection.

The good news is:

Feedback does not have to create friction.

When approached with awareness, compassion, and clear communication tools, feedback can become an opportunity for:

• deeper understanding
• stronger relationships
• increased trust
• healthier collaboration
• personal and professional growth

In This Interactive 2-Hour Workshop You Will Learn:

How to:

✔ Give honest feedback without blame, criticism, or attack

✔ Receive feedback without immediate defensiveness or collapse

✔ Stay grounded and regulated during difficult conversations

✔ Communicate clearly using principles from Nonviolent Communication (NVC)

✔ Recognize common nervous system responses to conflict and criticism

✔ Transform reactive communication into connection and collaboration

✔ Express needs and concerns in ways people can actually hear

This Workshop Is Especially Helpful For:

• Therapists and helping professionals
• Coaches and facilitators
• Educators and leaders
• Business professionals and teams
• Couples and family members
• Anyone wanting healthier communication and stronger relationships

No prior experience with Nonviolent Communication is necessary.

What Makes This Workshop Different?

This is not simply a communication skills class.

This workshop integrates:

• Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
• Somatic awareness and nervous system regulation
• Trauma-informed practices
• Embodied communication tools
• Experiential learning and reflection

Rather than learning “scripts” to say perfectly, participants will gain practical, compassionate tools that support authentic connection in real-life conversations.

You Will Leave With:

✅ A simple framework for giving effective feedback

✅ Tools for navigating difficult conversations with more confidence

✅ Greater self-awareness around emotional triggers and reactivity

✅ Strategies to reduce defensiveness and increase understanding

✅ Practical language you can use immediately

✅ More capacity for honesty, empathy, and connection

Imagine Being Able To…

• Speak honestly without fear of damaging relationships
• Hear feedback without spiraling into shame or defensiveness
• Navigate conflict with greater calm and clarity
• Build more trust in your workplace, family, or partnerships
• Feel more confident having the conversations you usually avoid

That transformation begins with learning how to communicate in ways that honor both honesty and human connection.

Join Us for Feedback Without Friction

A practical and compassionate approach to difficult conversations.

Tuesday June 16, 2026

11am - 1pm MDT

Online

Reserve Your Spot Today

Your Facilitator

Enjoy learning and practicing the skills and consciousness of Compassionate Communication/Nonviolent communication with CNVC Certified Trainer Kathy Ziola, MA. author of “Live Compassion,” Nonviolent Communication trainer, therapist, and communication coach. Kathy brings forty years of rich life experience, education, and professional skill as a trainer and transformation facilitator to support your learning. 

Kathy has been immersed in the practice and teaching of Nonviolent Communication since 2005. Her passion lies in authenticity, living with presence and compassion, and helping others do the same. With her many years of personal and professional experience, Kathy brings deep understanding and insight into human relationships and personal growth. 

Kathy is also an avid poet and often incorporates her original works into her workshops, adding inspiration and humor. She finds joy and rejuvenation in nature, and living in Colorado for most of her life has allowed her to embrace outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, and cross-country skiing.

Cancellation Policy

If Communication Works cancels the event, you will be refunded your full payment.

If you cancel thirty days prior to the start date of a series or one day event, you will receive a refund of the full amount minus PayPal fees if applicable.

If you cancel between six and thirty days of the event start date, you will be credited your tuition minus $50 for a multi-date training and your tuition minus $25 for a one-day event. The credit will be good toward attending any training event for one year.

If you cancel five days or less prior to the start of the event, your tuition will be retained. Proceeding with registration indicates agreement with this policy. Thank you