Discover a Language of Life
Nonviolent Communication (NVC), sometimes referred to as Compassionate Communication, is a transformative approach developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg. This powerful process has created breakthroughs in the most challenging environments—from war zones to boardrooms, from classrooms to family dinner tables.
The Heart of NVC: At its core, NVC recognizes that beneath every human action lies an attempt to meet fundamental needs. When we understand and honor these needs—both our own and others’—we create bridges of connection that transcend conflict and foster genuine cooperation.
What NVC Offers You: Through deep listening and empathy, NVC provides practical tools to understand your triggers, take responsibility for your responses, and create meaningful connections that honor everyone’s needs.
- Feelings Literacy – Recognizing and expressing emotions authentically
- Needs Awareness – Understanding what truly drives human behavior
- Authentic Expression – Speaking your truth without blame or criticism
- Empathic Presence – Listening with your whole heart
- Clear Requests – Asking for what you need in ways that invite cooperation
Experience the profound shift that happens when communication becomes
a pathway to understanding rather than a battleground.
∞ Compassionate Communication Foundation Training
You are warmly invited to this special 2-day Nonviolent Communication intensive, with three trainers coming together from across Australia. You’ll explore NVC alongside experienced trainers Sharon Rallings, Melinda Knudsen and Ricky Shipard, as they guide you through a rich learning experience designed to deepen your connection with yourself and others.
We’ve—Michelle / RESEED—intentionally brought these trainers to Tasmania to support accessibility and affordability for local participants—so that you don’t have to travel interstate to access this level of training. The ticket price reflects a community-friendly rate and primarily contributes to covering the trainers’ travel costs, while also holding care for their sustainability.
This offering is rooted in our shared passion for making NVC accessible to anyone who feels inspired to explore what’s possible beyond right/wrong thinking, in a learning environment grounded in care, depth, and real-world application.
If finances are a consideration, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re genuinely committed to finding ways to support participation wherever possible.
Whether you have questions about the content, format, or anything else, we’re here to support you in taking this meaningful step toward more compassionate communication.
Contact Sharon with questions about training and finances
Phone: +61 422 032 619
Email: withsingingheart@hotmail.com
Contact Michelle with local questions e.g. transport, accessibility, venue
Phone: +61 428 834 748
Email: michelle.towle@iinet.net.au
Sharon Rallings
Co-Facilitator
nvcaustralia.com/trainer/sharon-rallings
Sharon Rallings is a CNVC certified trainer who has been involved in the Australian Byron Bay NVC community for more than 20 years, since 2003. She helped to start the Australian NVC community project team, designed to support the growth and community building of NVC in Australia.
Melinda Knudsen
Co-Facilitator
Melinda Knudsen is a communication coach and trainer. She offers NVC trainings and personalised coaching (online and walk-and-talk sessions) helping people navigate challenging conversations, feel truly heard, uncover needs, and move from self-doubt to care and authentic expression. She creates spaces where people feel valued, understood, and empowered to grow.
Ricky Shipard
Co-Facilitator
onefullmoment.com.au/nvc-stories/
Ricky Shipard has been learning, embodying, and sharing Nonviolent Communication since 2011. As a neurodivergent person and proud single father of a 13-year-old son, his learning is deeply informed by lived experience. He co-facilitates a weekly men’s group and an online NVC practice group, and is currently in the process of becoming a CNVC-certified trainer. Ricky is currently working on an NVC video passion project.
Limited spaces available – reserve your place today!
2 weekend options available
$390.00
Availability: 3 Spaces Available
21-22/03/2026
NVC Foundation Course Tasmania
Trainers: Sharon Rallings, Melinda Knudsen & Ricky Shipard
When: Sat 21st – Sun 22nd of March 2026
(please arrive Sat 8:30 for registration and a 9am start, we will end each day at 5pm)
Where: RESEED Centre in Penguin, Tasmania
Cost: $390
BYO Lunch (tea, coffee and some morning and afternoon tea provided)
If finances are a consideration, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re committed to finding ways to make this work for you.
Related products
$390.00
Availability: 7 Spaces Available
28-29/03/2026
NVC Foundation Course Tasmania
Trainers: Sharon Rallings, Melinda Knudsen & Ricky Shipard
When: Sat 28th – Sun 29th of March 2026
(please arrive Sat 8:30 for registration and a 9am start, we will end each day at 5pm)
Where: RESEED Centre in Penguin, Tasmania
Cost: $390
BYO Lunch (tea, coffee and some morning and afternoon tea provided)
If finances are a consideration, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re committed to finding ways to make this work for you.
Related products
“I want to thank you for the warm, friendly space you created at the recent Adelaide workshops. I quickly felt supported and connected, which made it easy for me to learn. I left with new clarity and a deeper understanding of how to use NVC in my relationships with myself and others. I’m now connecting more from the heart, recognising needs with more ease, and offering myself care even when I’m not at my best. I truly appreciate the energy you both bring to this work.”
– Heather, Foundation Training and Next Steps Course Participant 2025
NVC Foundation Course: Building Bridges Through Compassionate Communication
This introduction to Nonviolent Communication will transform how you connect with others and navigate life’s challenges. Through interactive learning and real-world application, you’ll discover:
Core Skills You’ll Develop:
- Deep Listening & Empathy – Recognize what creates connection and what blocks it
- Authentic Expression – Communicate in ways that increase your chances of being truly heard
- Emotional Intelligence – Identify and honor feelings and needs in yourself and others
- Collaborative Relationships – Shift from power struggles to partnership dynamics
- Effective Requests – Ask for what you need in ways that invite cooperation
What Makes This Course Special: There is space in the curriculum to explore how NVC principles can support you with real-life situations. Whether you’re navigating family dynamics, workplace tensions, or community conflicts, we’ll explore how NVC principles apply to your actual challenges.
This approach makes learning more engaging, immediately practical, and genuinely transformative. You’ll leave with tools you can use right away and insights that continue enriching your relationships long after the course ends. – Melinda Knudsen
Long hair
Love
Neats and slobs
Please and thank you
Bullshit
39 year conflict
Warring tribes
“Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing
, There is a field.
I’ll meet you there”
Rumi
Course Agreements: Creating Safety and Connection Together
• Registration & Payment After registering, you’ll receive payment details via email. Your place is confirmed once we receive full payment, ensuring we can plan effectively for everyone’s learning experience.
• Life Changes & Refunds We recognise that life brings unexpected changes, and we want to honour both your financial investment and our ability to sustain these offerings for the community.
Cancellation 14+ days before course: 100% refund
Cancellation 2-14 days before course: 70% refund
Cancellation less than 48 hours before course: 50% refund
You are also welcome to transfer your spot to someone else—just let us know asap so we can update our records.
• Health & Wellbeing We invite you to share any health considerations (physical, mental, or medication-related) with your trainer. This helps us create the safest, most supportive environment for everyone.
While we’re committed to holding space with care, each participant takes responsibility for their own wellbeing. We encourage you to speak up whenever something doesn’t feel safe or right for you. Your needs matter, and we want to support you in honouring them.
• Shared Responsibility We trust that everyone will care for the physical space we’re using together, taking full responsibility for any damage they might cause.
Our intention is to create a learning environment where everyone feels safe, heard, and supported while taking personal responsibility for their experience and actions.