Experience NVC made simple—for beginners ready to grow and connect.

Discover the Power of Nonviolent Communication (NVC)

A beginner-friendly retreat designed to help you build connection, empathy, and confidence in your communication—set in the redwoods.

Reserve Your Spot Now

The Santa Cruz Spring Retreat

If you’re new to Nonviolent Communication or have been curious about living NVC—in community—this event is for you .

Guided by NVC Certified Trainers, Kristin Masters and Mary Goyer, this immersive experience will introduce you to the foundational principles of NVC in a supportive, warm environment.

Over the course of five days, you’ll learn how to communicate with clarity, listen with empathy, and navigate conflict with confidence—all while surrounded by serene beauty.

This retreat will give you the tools to transform how you show up in your most important relationships.

What Makes This Retreat Special 

🔍💬 Foundations of NVC

Discover the heart of NVC—practices for seeing clearly, speaking truthfully, and connecting with care. You’ll gently uncover the blind spots that keep you repeating old patterns in important relationships.

🛑✨Boundaries w/ Clarity & Grace

Discover how to honor your limits without guilt or blame. Through guided practice, you’ll learn to communicate boundaries that protect your well-being while staying open-hearted—transforming “No” into a bridge rather than a wall.

 

🎤🔥 Speaking Your Truth in Difficult Conversations

Find your voice in moments that matter. You’ll build the confidence to express honesty with care, so that even uncomfortable or high-stakes conversations become chances for deeper trust and authentic connection.

🌿🤝 Mending Conflict & Repairs with Confidence

Conflict is inevitable; disconnection doesn’t have to be. Learn step-by-step ways to approach tension and breakdowns with empathy, accountability, and courage—so that relationships can heal, grow, and thrive.

Whole-Body Nourishment

 

🌿 Beginner-Friendly Learning

Whether you’re brand new to NVC or already exploring its core principles, this retreat is designed to meet you where you are. We’ll walk you step-by-step through some basics, while offering deeper insights and hands-on opportunities to help you integrate NVC into your daily life.

🌿 Hands-On Practice

Engage in interactive exercises, role-plays, and real-life scenarios to build your skills with confidence.

🌿 Immersive Nature

Take time to rest, reflect, and recharge with hikes, journaling, and meditation in the redwoods.

🌿 Creative Exploration

Tap into your creativity with art, music, and other reflective practices that deepen your learning.

🌿 Delicious, Simple Meals

Enjoy wholesome meals prepared by our onsite chef, with options to accommodate a variety of dietary needs.

Friday, April 17 - Tuesday, April 21, 2026

 

Each day follows a beginner-friendly, gentle rhythm of deep NVC practice, creativity, meditation, music, and time to wander the forest trails or simply rest in quiet reflection.

You’ll leave feeling renewed, grounded in empathy, and supported by a warm community of people who share your passion for conscious, heart-centered communication.

Register Today

Choose from three accommodation options designed to support more accessibility for participants.

 

We’re committed to making this retreat as accessible as possible. Space for camping and limited scholarship funds can be requested by emailing us directly.

Double Occupancy Rooms

$1325

  • Two people to a room, shared bath
  • 3 meals/day included
Sign me up

Triple Occupancy Rooms

$925

  • Three people to a room (one on floor mattress), shared bath
  • 3 meals/day included
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Commuters Only

$680

  • Stay offsite and join us for all programming
  • 2 meals/day included (no breakfast)
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This is your opportunity to step into a new way of communicating—one that fosters connection, empathy, and understanding.

Spaces are filling quickly—don’t wait to reserve your spot.

❤️ With love,

Mary & Kristin

This is your chance to step away from the noise, reconnect with your NVC practice, and return home renewed—and deeply connected to a like-minded community. Spaces are filling quickly—don’t wait to reserve your spot.

❤️ With love,

Mary & Kristin