Enjoying the Difficult Conversation and Making Things Better

Saturday, December 12 · 11am – 1pm ET · For other events, go to this page

Daily life often consists of small and fairly simple interactions that keep things running smoothly or at least meet the needs of the moment.

In addition to those simple interactions, there are the conversations that involve important and perhaps challenging content: hurt, anger, and even feelings of love and emotional intimacy, which can all be difficult to bring up, or to fully take in when offered by another person.

And yet, these same, somewhat raw conversations provide the opportunity for deeper mutual connection, as well as supporting one's own well-being and vitality.

Topics for discussion will include:

• The benefits of expression vs. silence: bring more life to your life

• Handling anger well

• Handling affection and empathy well

• Reframing the conversation: realizing that the negative is fundamentally based on a positive

• "Good" words / "bad" words: which words and phrases create more conflict, and which heal

We invite all participants to bring in their own real-life questions and challenges around the above topics, or other topics related to "difficult conversations."

About David

David B. Alexander teaches effective and enjoyable communication to individuals and couples, as well as to executives and business owners, so that they can thrive in the social and working world in which we all live. A primary focus for his communication work is an approach called Nonviolent Communication, or "NVC".

NVC emphasizes authenticity in communication, but authenticity based on an empathetic understanding of self and others. NVC expression can be loud or quiet, diplomatic or direct, but is always intended to benefit all parties who are involved.

As a licensed psychotherapist, David also finds value in gestalt therapy principles, existential therapy, and modern psychoanalytic understanding. These are all approaches towards awakening for a fulfilling life.

In addition to psychotherapy work, he has been studying Zen since the age of 20 and Tai Chi Chuan since the age of 25, and has been teaching since the early 1990s.

Psychotherapy sessions are available online across New York State, and in person in Roslyn Heights, NY. A free 15-minute consultation is available for those curious about individual or couples therapy. All inquiries are confidential.