Workshops & Courses

We live in a paradox: human connection sits at the heart of everything we do, yet the art of dialogue is largely untaught.

This educational gap leads to misunderstandings, conflict, and a sense of isolation that affects both personal wellbeing and our collective capacity to solve shared challenges. Drawing from the rich tradition of Nonviolent Communication as developed by Marshall Rosenberg, I offer introductory workshops and courses so participants can build concrete skills in a warm and supportive environment.

What You'll Discover in These Workshops

In these hands-on, experiential sessions, you'll learn:

  • The four-step process that transforms friction and disagreement into productive conversations

  • How to translate criticism and judgment into clear requests that actually get met

  • Why empathic listening is the most underrated personal and professional skill—and how to master it

  • Practical techniques to express difficult emotions without creating defensiveness

  • Practices for self-empathy to build greater self understanding and reduce the pain of the inner critic

Beyond the Basics

What makes these workshops unique is their focus on real-world application. You won't just learn concepts—you'll practice skills you can use immediately, at home and at work.

Through role-playing and guided practice with other participants, you'll develop confidence in your ability to:

  • Navigate conflicts with grace instead of avoidance or aggression

  • Identify the unmet needs behind difficult behaviors—in yourself and others

  • Create solutions that honor everyone’s perspectives and priorities

  • Maintain connection even when emotions run high

Upcoming workshops:

Late summer and fall schedule coming soon. Sign up for my newsletter for announcements.

Past workshops:

 Drop-in workshops @ Charlottesville, Virginia Public Library (Central) 

  • Sunday, March 30, 2-4pm (transforming "have to" and "should")

  • Thursday, April 17, 2-4pm (As part of the Tom Tom Festival, this workshop is titled The Art of Listening: Creating Genuine Connection Through Empathy)

 Drop-in workshops @ Crozet, Virginia Public Library 

  • Mondays from 6-8pm

    • Starting Monday, March 17, weekly sessions focusing on empathic listening with time to practice in duets. 

    • These Monday workshops will continue through May 19. 

  • Saturday, May 17, noon to 5pm  

    • Build Better Relationships: An Intro Workshop in Nonviolent Communication

Ready to Transform Your Conversations?

Whether you're facing specific relationship challenges or simply seeking more authentic connections, these workshops provide concrete tools and supportive practice opportunities to help you communicate with courage and compassion.

Past course:

 An 8-week basic course in compassionate communication @ Charlottesville, Virginia Public Library (Central) (FULL)

  • Starting April 1, join me for an 8-week basic course in compassionate communication.

    • Tuesday evenings: 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27

    • 6-8pm

    • format:  We will practice through demonstrations, role-plays, and exercises in order to integrate the values and language of compassionate communication more into our daily lives.

    • topics: expressing honesty without being demanding or judgmental; asking for what you want; how to express and hear a "no"; how to hear the essence of what people say, no matter how they express it; how empathy can dissolve anger, pain, fear and hurt; and more!

    • spots available: 8

    • cost: free

    • how to save your spot: contact me by email hmorrisson@gmail.com

What Participants Say

  • Haley's workshop transformed my relationship with my emotions, equipping me with practical tools to identify and express my emotional needs effectively. Unlike my previous experiences with therapy or self help books, Haley’s framework provided actionable strategies for self-understanding. Through this process, I gained newfound confidence in both recognizing and managing my authentic self.

    Betsy

  • Haley is a natural born teacher. She is passionate about this work and will help you refine your communication skills with tools you can use in your everyday life.

    SR

  • Haley is a calm, loving presence who creates a safe space for people to express needs. Thank you.

    KK

  • This is a great course for understanding your underlying needs beneath discomforts you are having in your relationships and have tools for how to communicate those effectively as well as hear the corresponding needs from others. Helpful tools for getting out of blame and shame into mutual understanding and cooperation.

    Sara M., Leadership Coach

  • This course offered a comprehensive overview of NVC and included practice exercises that brought NVC methods into real life. It has shifted my approach to difficult conversations--less dread, more consciousness, better connection. It provided real tools that I'll always have now! Feeling grateful to Haley for both her teaching and her modeling of this material.

    Anita

  • This course has helped me not immediately jump to criticism which is something I have always struggled with. Being able to hear and be heard and see and be seen has been amazing. The kindred spirits make this course amazing. It is beautiful to grow.

    Hannah

  • I am so grateful Haley offered this introductory workshop on empathic listening. Haley offered a safe & supportive environment and helpful feedback as I learned the basics of NVC.

    Sherry Kausch

  • This course has opened my eyes to some of the pitfalls and traps in my habitual communication style. It has given me new tools to use to build stronger connection and to communicate my needs and concerns in a way that increases my changes of being seen and validated. Haley is a patient and organized teacher with a deep understanding of nonviolent communication practices.

    Karen