Communication for a Better Life
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Experience a better life.
As the speaker and facilitator, David B. Alexander brings his experience as a psychotherapist, consultant, partner, and parent, as well as integrating a lifelong practice and teaching of meditation and Tai Chi Chuan.
David's therapy work is focused on individuals and couples, as well as organizational therapy for leaders and their teams, leading to connection, well-being, and achieving more of one's goals in life. He teaches communication skills especially to couples coming to improve their relationships.
The various presentations about and discussions of communication, especially Nonviolent Communication (NVC), are dedicated to making life better for group participants, through better understanding of self and other and through better communication choices
These events are enriching, safe opportunities for learning how to deepen relationships of all kinds through better communication, including through authenticity towards oneself, achieving more often the results we desire. As a psychotherapist, David has seen the value of these principles, and has guided numerous couples and individuals to improve the quality of their communication and their relationships.
Topics for Nonviolent Communication include:
- Compassion vs. Labeling and Judgment
- Observation vs. Diagnosis and Evaluation
- Listening With Empathy
- Feelings, Needs, and Requests
- Expressing Anger's Core
- Protection vs. Punishment
- Liberation From Internal Programming
Other meetings will have various specific topics. Past topics have included Solving the Roots of Conflict; Having the Difficult Conversation; and Communication in the Workplace.
Lastly, we will also be having unscripted meetings open to any issue of communication that participants wish to bring up.
After presentations, there is always time for questions and answers as well as discussion; some meetings are facilitated discussion only
Note: if any attendee does not wish to join in a discussion, but prefers to observe and absorb, that preference will be respected.
Events take place online via Zoom, and may in the future also take place in person, in Long Island or Manhattan at announced addresses.
Webinars can be joined via ordinary phone, but for a full experience use of a computer will allow observing other attendees and those who are speaking. Attendees who do not wish to be seen can disable their video, and those who do not wish to speak (or if there is background noise in the attendee's area) can mute their microphone so as to hear the webinar discussion without speaking.
You can call David B. Alexander at (718) 229-2609, if you have any questions.
“I thought the the webinar was outstanding. Although I have some familiarity with the concepts of nonviolent communication, I felt that the webinar greatly expanded my knowledge in this area and gave me useful information and techniques that I can apply to improve my relationships with my family and friends.”
Ken Z.
“The amount of information was terrific, dialogue was great. I wouldn't change anything. I thought meeting everyone was wonderful and having the dialogue. I am interested in attending more webinars.”
Karen C.
“Perfect. Very Comfortable interaction. A professional presentation. I liked listening to your personal experiences and those of others.”
Michele F.
“I thought it was very effective and constructive. I enjoyed the candor of presenters and openness to discuss concerns and clarify.”
Karen S.
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Saturday, January 11 '25 · 11am EST (1h 30m)
In this webinar, David B. Alexander, LP will present some of the primary principles of Nonviolent Communication, and their ap…
Read moreIn this webinar, David B. Alexander, LP will present some of the primary principles of Nonviolent Communication, and their application in daily life. After the presentation, there will be time for questions and answers. Discussion will also be invited as a way to engage those attending in a more direct way.
This will be an enriching, safe opportunity for learning how to deepen relationships of all kinds through better communication, including through authenticity towards oneself, achieving more often the results we desire. As a psychotherapist, David has seen the value of these principles, and has guided numerous couples and individuals to improve the quality of their communication and their relationships.
Topics that will be covered include:-
Compassion vs. Labeling and Judgment
-
Observation vs. Diagnosis and Evaluation
-
Listening With Empathy
-
Feelings, Needs, and Requests
- Liberation From Our Internal Programming
There will also be interactive exercises allowing participants to share connection with each other while becoming more aware of their own ability to communicate more fully.
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Note: if any attendee does not wish to join in the discussion after the presentation, but prefers to observe and absorb, that preference will be respected.
The webinar meeting will take place online via Zoom. The webinar can be joined via ordinary phone, but for a full experience use of a computer will allow observing other attendees and those who are speaking.
Read less -
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Saturday, January 18 '25 · 11am EST (1h 30m)
It can be hard to express affection, for reasons such as fear of rejection or fear of becoming committed beyond the comfort z…
Read moreIt can be hard to express affection, for reasons such as fear of rejection or fear of becoming committed beyond the comfort zone. And it can be hard to express frustration or anger, for reasons such as fear of alienating the other or fear of doing harm. Our inner urges and wishes often may not match what we are able to express.
With good communication skills, we can start to see a path that avoids the fears and lack of clarity mentioned above.
Join this interactive, free monthly workshop dedicated to improving on important relationships and your own awareness and well-being.
There is no single formula for good communication. However, when we are genuine with other people, it encourages authenticity, and people start to truly understand and appreciate each other's feelings and needs. And by expressing from a deeper level, we start to understand ourselves better, as well. All of that leads to more fulfilling relationships, an ability to work out solutions when there is disagreement and conflict, and a better, realistic sense of self-esteem.
The event is facilitated by David B. Alexander, LP. In it, we will apply Nonviolent Communication to issues or questions that the attendees bring in, and David will facilitate the dialogue. If there are not enough issues or questions brought by attendees, there will be sample situations provided for discussion.
Nonviolent Communication is an approach to communication and relationships that is based on empathic connection, but that also provides a clear description and understanding of what kinds of communication help bring more joy and vitality into life, and what kinds of communication prolong conflict or separation.
The word "violent" in so-called violent communication indicates that there are subtle or not-so-subtle kinds of communication that tend to cause alienation between people. Violent communication can be any words, actions, silence, or inaction that disrupts empathic connection between people, while nonviolent communication is a win/win kind of communication that brings people together.
As a psychotherapist, David has seen the great value of these principles, and has guided numerous couples and individuals to improve the quality of their communication and their relationships.
**********************
Note: if any attendee does not wish to join in the discussion, but prefers to observe and absorb, that preference will be respected.
The workshop meeting will take place online via Zoom. The meeting can be joined via ordinary phone, but for a full experience use of a computer will allow seeing all participants more easily.
Read less -
Saturday, February 22 '25 · 11am EST (1h 30m)
Join this interactive, free monthly workshop dedicated to improving on important relationships and your own awareness and wel…
Read moreJoin this interactive, free monthly workshop dedicated to improving on important relationships and your own awareness and well-being.
How can you give honest feedback and still keep a good relationship? What if your partner asks you "Do I look good in this shirt?" and you think "No". If a friend has started a business and invested a lot of time and money into it, but you feel it is a bad idea, what do you say, if anything?
The goal in good communication is that all parties in the process can feel seen and heard, and come out with a stronger, positive connection to others. But honesty is a consideration that can complicate that process. William Blake said "A truth that's told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent."
The event is facilitated by David B. Alexander, LP. In it, we will apply Nonviolent Communication to issues or questions that the attendees bring in, and David will facilitate the dialogue. If there are not enough issues or questions brought by attendees, there will be sample situations provided for discussion.
Violent communication can show itself in subtle ways that are hardly noticed, so the word "violent" might be surprising. However, the theme is that violent communication tends to disrupt empathy and relationships, while nonviolent communication is a win/win kind of communication that brings people together.
Nonviolent Communication is an approach to communication and relationships that is based on empathic connection, but that also provides a clear description and understanding of what kinds of communication help bring more joy and vitality into life, and what kinds of communication prolong conflict or separation.
As a psychotherapist, David has seen the great value of these principles, and has guided numerous couples and individuals to improve the quality of their communication and their relationships.
**********************
Note: if any attendee does not wish to join in the discussion, but prefers to observe and absorb, that preference will be respected.
The workshop meeting will take place online via Zoom. The meeting can be joined via ordinary phone, but for a full experience use of a computer will allow seeing all participants more easily.
Read less -
Saturday, March 22 '25 · 11am EDT (1h 30m)
Join this interactive, free monthly workshop dedicated to improving on important relationships and your own awareness and wel…
Read moreJoin this interactive, free monthly workshop dedicated to improving on important relationships and your own awareness and well-being.
What if you have been having a good time recently with your partner, or your child or parent? How do you express that? What if someone in your life takes a chance and is vulnerable (doing something with which they are not comfortable but that is positive) with you? How do you respond to fully support the moment of their sharing?
The goal in good communication is that all parties in the process can feel seen and heard, and come out with a stronger, positive connection to others.
The event is facilitated by David B. Alexander, LP. In it, we will discuss and experiences the principles and examples of good communication. We will also apply the Nonviolent Communication approach to issues or questions that the attendees bring in, and David will facilitate the dialogue. If there are not enough issues or questions brought by attendees, there will be sample situations provided for discussion.
So-called "violent" communication can show itself in subtle ways that are hardly noticed, so the word "violent" might be surprising. However, the meaning is that violent communication is any communication which tends to disrupt empathy and relationships, while nonviolent communication is a win / win kind of communication that brings people together.
Nonviolent Communication is an approach to communication and relationships that is based on empathic connection, but that also provides a clear description and understanding of what kinds of communication help bring more joy and vitality into life, and what kinds of communication prolong conflict or separation.
As a psychotherapist, David has seen the great value of these principles, and has guided numerous couples and individuals to improve the quality of their communication and their relationships.
**********************
Note: if any attendee does not wish to join in the discussion, but prefers to observe and absorb, that preference will be respected.
The workshop meeting will take place online via Zoom. The meeting can be joined via ordinary phone, but for a full experience use of a computer will allow seeing all participants more easily.
Read less
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Other Resources for a better, more informed life
Escaping From Freedom ebook
In times of division and loss of understanding ("How can 'those people' believe in that?"), we need to look more closely, with an open mind and heart.
This 19-page ebook builds on the insights of Erich Fromm's iconic 1941 book Escape From Freedom, with updated observations by psychoanalyst David B. Alexander. Understanding human nature allows us to understand and to help heal the crisis of questioning what is real.
Make sense of and find peace in today's world through better understanding. See the table of contents, and download your copy.
Tai Chi Chuan Yang-style Short Form, in person in Long Island and Manhattan
Improve your well-being and vitality. You can do this through Tai Chi Chuan practiced with its full historical meaning and benefits. It is a martial art, a sport, and a health practice.
Those active in sports, dancing, and music performance have reported improvements in terms of lower tension and faster response times. Read articles and blog entries to find out more about the benefits and philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan. My teaching focuses on integrating the whole person: emotions and movement; brain, heart, and body.
Online Tai Chi Chuan Essence and Essentials, Mondays January 13th through March 3rd from 5:15pm to 6:15pm ET, up to 8 classes
These online classes will practice and discuss the essential principles and specific forms and connections that make Tai Chi Chuan so valuable for mental and physical well-being, and as a sport and martial art. This includes experiential answers to questions, and in-depth practice of the alignment, connections, and flow of the Short Form.
These classes are only for those who are already familiar with the Grandmaster William C.C. Chen Short Form, or other Yang-style Short Form.
An Alcove in the Heart ebook or printed book
Sidney Diamond and Estelle Spero (my mother) had met before WWII and became best friends and sweethearts in early adolescence, and the way seemed clear to marriage—until Pearl Harbor.
Get Ebook Now Get Printed Book Now
Sid left college to enlist, but, determined to maintain the closeness of their relationship despite time and distance, wrote to Estelle almost every day. These letters, powerful, insightful, and moving, also reflect the humor that was part of Sid's nature.
Tai Chi Chuan Workshop - Sunday April 26th
Review and practice core components of Tai Chi Chuan: Short Form Refinement, Push-Hands, and Punching/Applications. Deepen your practice.
The workshop takes place from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, meeting at 440 Lafayette Street, Room 4G, New York 10003. Ring the buzzer "Playwrights." For weekly classes in LI, read here.
Tai Chi Chuan Workshop - Sunday March 9th
Review and practice core components of Tai Chi Chuan: Short Form Refinement, Push-Hands, and Punching/Applications. Deepen your practice.
The workshop takes place from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, meeting at 440 Lafayette Street, Room 4G, New York 10003. Ring the buzzer "Playwrights." For weekly classes in LI, read here.
Tai Chi Chuan Workshop - Sunday February 9th
Review and practice core components of Tai Chi Chuan: Short Form Refinement, Push-Hands, and Punching/Applications. Deepen your practice.
The workshop takes place from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, meeting at 440 Lafayette Street, Room 4G, New York 10003. Ring the buzzer "Playwrights." For weekly classes in LI, read here.
Tai Chi Chuan Workshop - Sunday January 12th
Review and practice core components of Tai Chi Chuan: Short Form Refinement, Push-Hands, and Punching/Applications. Deepen your practice.
The workshop takes place from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, meeting at 440 Lafayette Street, Room 4G, New York 10003. Ring the buzzer "Playwrights." For weekly classes in LI, read here.
Four-session Intensive: Nonviolent Communication, starting January 11th
Join this interactive, intensive online workshop dedicated to improving on important relationships and your own awareness and well-being.
We will be meeting in four sessions of two hours each, on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm ET beginning Saturday January 11th (and skipping January 25th). Start the new year right!