Enjoying the Difficult Conversation and Making Things Better

Saturday, November 14 · 11am – 1pm ET

Have there been, or are there now, important conversations that you have wanted to start, but felt nervous about doing so? Or actions that would initiate engagement with others in a way that is more intense and unpredictable than the usual?

In addition to the simple interactions that make up daily greetings and pleasantries, there are conversations and exchanges that involve important and often challenging content: hurt, anger, and even feelings of love and emotional intimacy, which can all be difficult to initiate, 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 we will discuss include:

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

• Handling anger well

• Handling affection and empathy well

• Reframing the conversation by realizing the positive at the root of the negative

• "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 Tai Chi Chuan 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.