Practical NVC courses and private sessions for anyone who wants to speak and listen in a way that builds connection — even when it's hard.
Heart in Communication is the practice of Cordelia Addison, a CNVC-certified Nonviolent Communication trainer and mediator based in the Netherlands. Through group courses, one-on-one sessions and mediation — online and in person — you learn to listen with empathy, speak honestly, and turn tension into understanding at work, at school, in your relationships, and with yourself. Whether you are new to NVC or already practicing, you'll find a path here to deepen connection, self-awareness, and the way you handle conflict.
Communication is something we do all the time: with family, at work, at school, and in our social lives. Communication is also with ourselves, the inner dialogue we have throughout the day. It includes the way we listen to others and how we interpret what we hear. Most of our communication is infused with judgments about other people and ourselves. These judgments prevent us from seeing the beauty in ourselves and others and instead lead to distance and pain.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) offers life-changing insights into how we communicate and presents concrete ways to implement these insights to create a way of communicating that brings clarity, connection and compassion. By putting the heart in communication, you can create the relationships you wish for, at home, work, school and with yourself!
A free, live online taster session. Get a feel for Nonviolent Communication and discover how it can bring more clarity, connection and compassion into your daily life.
Whether you like to learn step by step alongside others or step away for a week of immersion, there is a path here for you.
Group learning, online and in person — practice NVC in a warm, supportive setting.
A week away together, deepening your NVC practice in community.
Cordelia, I always felt safe and held in your container. I appreciate your embodiment, your humanness, playfulness and curiosity, tenderness and vulnerabilty with which you bring NVC to life. I long to be able to connect authentically and not triggering anyone in the process and for the first time in life I feel this is possible with NVC.
I have been learning and practicing Nonviolent Communication (NVC) since 2010. NVC is the most powerful tool I know for creating ease and harmony with those around me. It is also the most powerful tool I know for mediating conflicts and creating peace. It is a life-long project for me to learn and embody this language of the heart and to share it across business sectors, schools, and in families around the world.
About me
Learning Nonviolent Communication is like learning a new language– a new language that puts the heart in communication and leads to more clarity, connection, and compassion in our lives.
Learning this new language profoundly changes the way we relate to the people around us, whether it is in business, school or our personal relationships.
More about NVCThe democratic School LIFE! (Learning in A Free Environment) was founded in 2015 and merged with another democratic school in 2022. Now known as Democratic School Amsterdam (DSA), it is located in the former museum of The Molen van Sloten in Amsterdam.
The school is both primary and secondary school in one and incorporates Nonviolent Communication and sociocracy as important tools for relating to each other as equals and upholds the values of understanding, respect and mutuality in a community of learners ranging from ages 4 to 21.
Website LIFE!
“I always felt safe and held in your container. I appreciate your embodiment, your humanness, playfulness and curiosity, tenderness and vulnerabilty with which you bring NVC to life. I long to be able to connect authentically and not triggering anyone in the process and for the first time in life I feel this is possible with NVC.”
“Cordelia taught from the heart and connected to a large variety of situations, demonstrating very clearly how universal NVC is. She picks the underlying issues up very quickly and consistently leads participants through exercises and real-life situations.”
“I have completed seven NVC courses with Cordelia Addison over the past two years, from the beginner level through Level 3, and it has been a deeply meaningful journey. Cordelia is an exceptionally professional facilitator who truly lives and breathes Nonviolent Communication, and she conveys it both through clear theory and through her own example. The courses covered a wide range of important topics and real-life situations where communication can become difficult, such as engaging with people who hold very different views, responding in moments of anger, and much more. Throughout the entire process, I experienced Cordelia as a highly compassionate and supportive guide who adapts to each student’s pace and maintains a warm, open, respectful group atmosphere. For me, this has been a journey in which, through developing communication skills, I have also learned a great deal about myself, especially, my ability to listen to myself and express myself more clearly and authentically. What I learned in these courses has also been very valuable in my work as a psychologist.”
“One thing before anything else: I ended up taking four courses with Cordelia - I absolutely enjoyed each one of them and each session :) I feel very grateful I came across her offerings and can see that taking part in the courses had a profound impact on my life. I feel very empowered through the courses and more peace in my romantic relationship. Cordelia has a wonderful authentic presence and ability to guide individuals. She truly embodies NVC :)”
“Life changing course. I have completed two courses now with Cordelia. The concept of NVC is amazing and really resonated with me especially in helping me better understand myself and this notion I had that something was not quite right with the world. Cordelia is an amazing coach and teacher. The more you learn about NVC the more you appreciate the depth of her knowledge and mastery of the skill of empathy. If you are reading this review you are on the right path. Take the next step. Follow the white rabbit 🐇 and see how deep you can go…”
“I highly recommend learning Nonviolent Communication (NVC) with Cordelia Addison from Heart in Communication. I’ve read Marshall Rosenberg’s book on NVC several times, but it was only through watching Cordelia model the behaviours, facilitate the exercises, and guide us through role-play sessions that everything finally clicked for me. Her practical, thoughtful approach brought the principles to life in a way that simply reading about them never could. If you’re interested in learning NVC in a way that is practical, experiential, and genuinely transformative, I highly recommend Cordelia’s classes.”
“When I first started looking for NVC courses for my boyfriend and myself, I found Cordelia and we took the 2 hr free session. We immediately felt this was the right place. We started taking her courses and they are fantastic. The way everything is structured is perfect, this has help me a lot, to be more aware of my emotions, my needs and how to express them in a healthy way. Also Cordelia is an incredible instructor, she is warm, kind and loving and makes you feel at home. I love that the classes are small groups and you have plenty of time to discuss with your classmates, ask questions and share. If you are thinking of taking an NVC course I highly recommend it.”
“After reading Marshall Rosenberg's "Nonviolent Communication" book, I found myself in Cordelia’s classes. I've clocked in 100+ hours of NVC practice and I can attest the positive impact it has had on my life. I joined her class to tame my corporate frustration, but I chose to stay for myself and my relationships. Cordelia is a wonderful and compassionate trainer who holds a safe space for her students. Her teachings and our NVC practices are extremely supportive. I warmly recommend Heart in Communication”
“I started with a basic Nonviolent Communication (NVC) course in 2023 to improve communication with my children. What began as a practical parenting tool soon grew into a much deeper journey, and I went on to take several more courses. I am so grateful for the impact NVC has had on my life. It has transformed not only the way I communicate, but also how I connect and relate to others. Cordelia is a highly authentic teacher who generously brings her own life experiences into the learning process. This creates a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment where everyone can learn and grow together. Her warmth, wisdom, and sense of humor make the journey inspiring and help create a world full of (baby) giraffes.”
“I am feeling grateful that one day I’ve decided to enroll into Cordelia’s foundation course for NVC! It was a spontaneous decision based purely on a sixth sense, and it open an entire different world perspective for me. Cordelia is an amazing couch, guide, mentor, and human and her courses are always a safe, respectful and warm place:)”
“I've taken several courses led by Cordelia and also had a private session where, through the Yes/No dance, I gained more clarity around some indecision in my life. My time with Cordelia has always led to improved communication with myself and others. I highly recommend Heart in Communication to anyone looking to start, maintain, or deepen their NVC practice.”
“If you like to learn new ways of communicating and open up a new language this is the course for you! Cordelia is super friendly, patient and helps you in a very personal and professional way. I recommend her highly and continue my process with her.”
“I participated in a course several months ago. It was extremely beneficial to me. I didn’t know what to expect or what I would get out of it. It exceeded my expectations. I plan to sign up for the next level course hopefully later this year. Cordelia is a thoughtful and intuitive person who is highly skilled at leading small group sessions.”
“I've taken a few courses with Cordelia. It's been a great experience for me and has given me the strength and confidence to practice NVC in my relationships. Cordelia has a warm and genuine way of leading the group that foster understanding, care and belonging.”
“Through Heart in Communications with Cordelia I have learned a new language of connection first and foremost with myself and then with others. I strongly recommend taking a class with Cordelia. Her trainings are informative, explorative and allow for plenty of practice of the Non-Violent Communication skills taught during class.”
“Did and very much enjoyed the 8 week NVC foundation course. Cordelia was a great teacher and held space well for everyone in the group. Would definitely recommend to anyone with some interest in NVC.”
“My experience learning NVC with Cordelia it's been amazing. She's super passionate about the subject and a really good teacher. I'm very thankful for the time I got to spend with her and the group in the foundation course. Big hug!”
“I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made throughout my journey with Nonviolent Communication. Cordelia has a way of teaching that brings people together and creates a strong sense of connection within the group. It’s been a great experience!”
“I had the pleasure of taking an NVC course with Cordelia, and it was a truly rewarding experience. She creates such a warm, safe, and welcoming space and guides with wisdom and compassion. I highly recommend her to anyone wanting to learn Nonviolent Communication in a supportive and thoughtful environment💕”
“Amazing courses and teacher! It was an amazing experience to be taught by Cordelia”