Is this you?
You are in a committed relationship and love your partner.* You want to build a foundation for a lasting relationship. Perhaps things are going well and you want that to continue. Or, perhaps you feel frustrated about getting caught in the same arguments again and again and find yourself in blame and criticism. Either way, you are ready and willing to engage in experiential exercises with your partner to learn new skills that will support both a secure emotional bond and the ability to honor authenticity and autonomy.
*Non-dyad and queer relationships are welcome
How It Works
You might have tried all sorts of ways to improve your relationship: spending more quality time, spending time apart, reading self-help books, or counseling, and still return to the same conflicts, patterns of communication, or stuck places. You are not alone. Relating in a clear and self-responsible way requires many complex and subtle skills, very few of which have likely been modeled for you growing up. You need a comprehensive way forward that is concrete enough to make use of and subtle enough to adapt to your relationship.
Mindful Compassionate Dialogue (MCD) brings a comprehensive set of skills as well as a subtle understanding of relationship dynamics. MCD brings together concepts and skills from Hakomi (body centered therapy), Nonviolent Communication, and Mindfulness. The goal of MCD is to empower you to create the change you want in your relationships. It naturally supports you in creating a secure bond, while at the same time promotes healthy differentiation. MCD helps you cultivate self-compassion and a confident relationship to needs. You can learn to stay grounded through reactivity and set clear boundaries. When you and your partner make use of the guidance and structure of MCD, you will gain confidence in an understanding and set of skills that enable you to resolve conflict and build a loving and strong relationship.
what to expect
In this one-day workshop, you will be introduced to the consciousness, framework, and tools of MCD. We will focus on presenting specific concepts and skills that you will have the opportunity to practice and integrate with your partner in structured exercises. You will also receive a detailed handout that will help you continue to practice at home.
We will start with a couple of exercises in small groups to build rapport and safety in the whole group. For these small group exercises you can use examples from any part of your life and do not have to share something from your relationship. Other than these exercises, you will be working with your partner. These exercises are highly structured to help you learn skills, address relationship issues, and remain nonreactive.
Topics for this course include:
Appreciation: Learn how this tool of clear communication about what works teaches you how to become more responsible and aware of your own needs as well as how to care for your partner.
Empathy: Learn to listen deeply while remaining self-connected.
Honest Expression: Learn to express feeling and needs and take responsibility for your needs by making requests that open up a grounded and compassionate dialogue
Reactivity: Gain a basic understanding of how and why reactivity comes up and how you can regulate and return to center.
Dialogue: Learn a basic dialogue structure that can help you navigate challenging topics.
Details
Trainers: Elia Paz and Ceferino Cenizo
When: 10:30am - 5:30pm, October 4, 2025
Where: The Commons, Surfers Corner, Beach Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa
Contribution: R4200 per couple
If finances are the only obstacle to attendance, please email us at c0ach@ceferinocenizo.com
Please bring your own lunch. Alternatively, you could order something from nearby restaurants. Coffees and teas will be available