What Happens in a Week-Long NVC Retreat? What to Expect

You have followed a course, practised with a friend and noticed the first small changes in how you listen. Then daily life fills up again, and the practice slips to the edges of your week. Maybe you wonder what it would be like to live and practise Nonviolent Communication (NVC) for a while week, with time to really stay with it.

What is a week-long NVC retreat?

It is a week of living and practising together with a small group, led by two CNVC certified trainers. You can read the details on the page for the Heart in Community NVC retreat in the Dordogne 2027.

Instead of a few hours here and there, you get a whole week in which NVC is part of how you spend your days. That is a different experience from a course evening, and many people find it deepens what they already know.

What does a week together give you?

First of all, time and space. A whole week to immerse yourself in NVC, away from the demands and distractions of everyday life. Time to slow down, connect with yourself and others, and do some self-exploration.

There is time to work through situations from your own life, receive empathy, to practise self empathy and empathy With several days together, there is room to stay with a process and explore it more deeply.

And then there is the experience of living together. Sharing meals, conversations, laughter, quiet moments and whatever else unfolds between us.

All of this takes place in a beautiful old French farmhouse, surrounded by the countryside of the Dordogne. With a swimming pool, gardens and nature all around, there is plenty of opportunity to rest, swim, take a walk, sit in the sunshine or enjoy a conversation over a cup of tea.

The week offers a combination of learning, personal exploration, connection, community and relaxation. My hope is that you leave feeling nourished by the experience, with meaningful connections, a greater understanding of yourself and others, and more confidence in bringing NVC into your everyday life.

Why does a small group matter?

This is a mini-retreat with between 6 and 10 participants. In a small group everyone can be seen and heard, and there is time for each person to speak, to listen and to ask for what they need.

Who is the retreat for?

It is for people who have already begun with NVC and want to go deeper. You do not need loads of experience. You do need a shared starting point, which is why Level 1 Foundation is needed to take part.

How do you prepare for the retreat?

The first step is to follow Level 1 Foundation. In the Foundation course you learn the basics, including the four steps of NVC, so that everyone arrives with the same footing. If you are not sure whether you are ready, or your situation is a little different, please get in touch. We are happy to talk it through with you.

If you are new to all this, the free two hour intro workshop and the Start here page are good places to begin.

How do you sign up?

You sign up through a form on the retreat page, with a deposit to confirm your place. Because the group is small, it is handy to look at the page early and ask any questions you have before you apply.

If you would like to know what is on offer, take a look at the retreats page or go straight to the retreat in the Dordogne 2027. I would be glad to welcome you.