Me, myself & I: Embodying Self-Empathy for our inner critic or self-saboteur
Oct 25th & 26th 2025 online. 9.30am to 1.30pm both days, (including a half hour break). Time zone: London. The day will include movement to support embodiment of the processes
Facilitated by Cath Burke
This day will draw on Sarah Peyton’s research into NVC and neuroscience.
***FULLY BOOKED***
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Many of us come to NVC looking for a way to survive, improve, enjoy our relationships. I know I did. Then I discovered that the most important relationship is the one with myself. This is because when we relate empathically to ourselves we are empowered to calm our reactivity and take responsibility for meeting our needs. When we understand and acknowledge our needs we naturally have more inner resource to face challenging conversations and relationships ‘out there’.
“This training was challenging for me as we explored the inner critic which I realise has been a very loud voice for me but one that I often suppress. Making that voice tangible and experiencing it in a different way while offering it empathy was quite a remarkable thing that was unexpected, filled with opportunity and warmth. To then embody this energy and feel safe to do so was very empowering.”
40 minutes of movement and conscious dance
There’ll be an invitation to explore this theme somatically through about 40 minutes of movement and dance. Yep dancing online: it works surprisingly well and, if you’re new to ‘conscious movement’, there is the benefit of being able to try it out in the safety and comfort of your own home. This part of the training is an invitation to learn NVC through the body. Through movement we’ll learn more about encountering both our critical and our compassionate selves, in a light-hearted way. If you’ve never tried ‘conscious dance’ before you are especially welcome. No experience is necessary - you cannot do it wrong! And all ages, body shapes and fitness levels are welcome. And if you want to, you can opt out of the movement altogether or try it entirely with your camera off! Any doubts or queries email or call me for a chat.
“This training day landed at the right moment for me. It has really helped me see to the core of my issues and provide a path for healing. The dance was extremely helpful in this regard and helped me connect mind and body on this journey. It was a groundbreaking weekend for me.”
You’ll be supported to take away skills to:
precisely name your feelings and needs in relation to a stimulus
identify self-sabotaging behaviours and core beliefs
get familiar with different parts of your inner life, such as the critic, the self, the witness
find your unique empathic voice that’s able to regulate your nervous system
Be warned! Relating to yourself with compassion could lead to a lack of inclination to judge yourself and others and an inability to worry. You may find yourself acting spontaneously rather than from fear-based habits and even enjoying each moment as it comes!
Pre-requisite
Participants will be expected to have completed a 12 hour Level 1 Foundation training in NVC, or equivalent. This will ensure a common foundation for Level 2 Intermediate engagement and practice.
“If you think this course isn’t for you because you can’t hear an inner critic - try it ... it may just be in disguise! Then, once you know what you are dealing with, you will get some excellent practices to help.”
Location
Online on Zoom
Cost
Individual rates (if you are paying for the training from your own pocket):
If you earn less than £20,000 before tax: £85
If you earn between £20,000 - £30,000 before tax: £130
If you earn between £30,000 - £45,000 before tax: £165
If you earn more than £45,000 before tax: £220
I am willing to dialogue with you if these prices would prevent you from coming. Please contact me here.
Organisational rates (if your employer is paying for your place on the training)
Small Charity rate: £135 (If you work for a charity with fewer than 15 employees).
Public sector / Large Charity rate: £170 (If you work for a public sector organisation, such as a local council or the NHS, or a charity with more than 15 employees).
Private sector rate: £220 (If you work for a profit making company).
Concessions available: if any of the above prices would prevent you from coming, please contact me
Cancellation policy
If you cancel then I am willing to refund you in full minus a £15 administration fee as long as I can get someone to take your place.
If I’m not able to replace you then the cancellation cost is the full amount you have paid. I am open to considering waiving this fee in exceptional and unforeseen circumstances.
In the unlikely event that I cancel then I’ll refund your course fees in full, but not any travel or accommodation costs that you have incurred
“The examples Cath gave from her own life shed a lot of light on how these things work in us.”
London Intermediate Training Programme
This is one of 12 weekend trainings offered over the course of a year by a collaborative group of London-based CNVC Certified Trainers working together to offer you clear learning and progression options to suit you. We are committed to creating community and a supportive network for those learning, living and sharing NVC in London. Many of our trainings are currently online, so if you live outside of London, you are welcome to participate. Follow this link to discover more
Curious about Why movement & dance is included in an NVC workshop? Find out more>>>
What do participants say about the movement & dance?
“Dancing in groups of three - me, my inner critic and my resonant self - turned out to be an extremely powerful and emotional exercise that really resonated with me.”
“Less intimidating, and more fun, than I anticipated.”
“I’d forgotten how much I like free dancing and really felt empowered in the inner critic exercise.”
“I loved dancing of the inner critic and the resonating self, especially as my inner critic was judgmental of this exercise before we did it.”
“Wonderful. Just joyful. Met my stretch zone, met my critic and enjoyed the play!”
More testimonials
More info about Open Floor Movement practice
Cath Burke is a qualified Open Floor Movement Practice facilitator and a member of the International Conscious Movement Teachers Association (ICMTA)