Program Overview

Empathic Communication Training

The Empathic Communication training course is designed to help individuals develop positive and constructive conversation skills, even in situations involving misunderstandings or conflict. The premise of the training is that everyone, regardless of their background, has the same basic needs, which serves as a universal language that increases understanding and connection.

Content and Structure

• The training course consists of four 3-hour sessions.
• The interactive format provides opportunities to ask questions and practice with personal situations, allowing immediate application of learned skills.
• The training is based on the ideas and model of nonviolent communication (also known as empathic communication) founded by Marshall Rosenberg.

Objectives

At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Identify elements that contribute to connection and understand what in communication leads to alienation and "we-they" thinking.
• Express themselves in an empathic way, from a position of equality.
• Listen empathically to what really matters to themselves and the other person, establishing an equal dialogue.
• Achieve a win-win situation based on an awareness of interdependence that works for all parties involved.

Session Details

Session 1

• Introduction to the training and meeting other participants.
• Sharing learning needs and planning the training sessions.
• Learning the different elements that contribute to connection and how to express oneself based on choice and ownership.
• Practicing with personal cases to immediately apply learned skills.

Session 2

• Focusing on listening as a key component of empathic communication.
• Understanding the difference between listening and giving advice or comfort.
• Practicing listening between the lines of what the other person says.

Session 3

• Exploring how to hear judgments without taking them personally.
• Realizing that judgments about others or oneself can be heard with compassion or empathy.
• Practicing hearing judgments in a non-judgmental way.

Session 4

• Finding win-win situations based on clarity regarding needs.
• Examining situations from different perspectives.
• Practicing dialogue through role-plays, focusing on expression, listening, and finding solutions that work for all parties.

Costs

• Regular costs: €1,398
• Discounted costs for RU and Radboudumc staff, alumni, and students, and WUR staff: €1,258.20 (10% discount)

Additional Information

• The training will be conducted in Dutch.
• For those interested in working on presentation skills individually or with their team, tailor-made programs are available through the Tailor-made department.
• Radboud University and Radboud university medical center staff members can take advantage of in-house rates.