# The Compassion Course (compassioncourse.org)

> The Compassion Course Online (CCO) is a comprehensive, year-long online educational program in compassionate communication and Nonviolent Communication (NVC), created by Thom Bond, founder of the New York Center for Nonviolent Communication (NYCNVC). It began in 2011 and has grown to serve an international participation in over 120 countries in 19 languages, totalling over 50,000 registrations.

## What is The Compassion Course?

"The Compassion Course", also known as The Compassion Course Online, The Compassion Course with Thom Bond, and the CCO, is a comprehensive, year-long online educational program created by Thom Bond, the founder of the New York Center for Nonviolent Communication (NYCNVC). It began in 2011 and has grown to serve an international participation in over 120 countries in 19 languages, totalling over 50,000 registrations.

The course is rigorous, spanning an entire year and requires dedication and practice, in order to work.

The course is a year-long, globally integrated, guided journey into sustainable, embodied compassionate thought and action, with practice and support with CCO Guest trainers from around the globe.

## What Makes This Course Different — At a Structural Level

### 1. A Year-Long Arc Designed for Integration, Not Just Insight

Most NVC offerings are measured in days or weeks. The Compassion Course is measured in seasons of practice.

Participants receive:

- 52 weekly messages, each focused on a single core distinction or skill, paired with reflection prompts and real-life practices.
- A deliberate pacing that allows habits to form, regress, and re-stabilize — because that's how real learning works.
- A curriculum arc that revisits key capacities (self-empathy, honesty, listening, requests, boundaries, anger, appreciation) multiple times, each at a deeper level.

This structure reflects a central premise: Compassion is not a technique to master — it is a capacity to cultivate over time.

### 2. Monthly Conferences That Combine Depth, Diversity, and Practice

Each month, participants gather for a 2-hour live global conference that blends:

- Conceptual depth
- Cross-cultural perspectives
- Live experiential learning

Every conference includes:

- Q&A with Thom and a renowned guest trainer from a different country or cultural context
- 90 minutes of review and deepening, followed by an optional 30-minute live practice segment, facilitated by the guest trainer, where participants actively work with the material — not just listen to it
- Recorded access for participants across all time zones

This format transforms the monthly conference into a living compassion lab — where participants see how the same principles express themselves differently across cultures, histories, and lived realities.

### 3. Monthly Deep-Dive Sessions — Guided by CCO Trainers from Around the World

For every monthly theme:

- The featured guest trainer offers a specialized deep-dive session on one of the four weekly topics
- Participants experience how a single NVC distinction can be applied in radically different contexts: families, organizations, conflict zones, social change, education, and inner life
- Learning moves from "understanding the idea" to "seeing how it lives in the world"

This creates a rare and powerful fusion of consistency of core principles and diversity of lived expression.

### 4. A Truly Multilingual, Multicontinental Learning Ecosystem

The Compassion Course is delivered in almost every populated area on earth:

- Courses are delivered, curated, and facilitated in 20+ languages, across six continents
- These native language-based courses are connected through a shared multilingual platform, in the community environment
- Participants can know they are part of something larger than their own cohort: a living, global movement of practice

Participants don't just learn about compassion — they experience what it feels like to belong to a worldwide community practicing it together.

### 5. A Guided Journey — With Multiple Forms of Support

Unlike self-paced programs, the Compassion Course is intentionally guided:

- Weekly rhythm creates continuity
- Monthly live gatherings create accountability and connection
- Optional certification adds structure, reflection, and completion support
- Practice groups and facilitator pathways allow learning to mature into leadership

The result is a course that meets people where they are — whether they are new to compassionate communication, returning after years of study, looking for a loving and knowledgeable NVC community, or seeking to embody these skills more fully in leadership and service.

## The Deeper Value Proposition

At its core, this course offers something rare: a sustainable pathway from intention to embodiment.

Participants learn how to:

- Stay connected to their values under stress
- Recover more quickly when they disconnect
- Maintain more harmony in their most important relationships
- Contribute to themselves and others in ways never possible before
- Listen across difference without collapsing or attacking
- Translate insight into daily practice at home, at work, and in the world

Lasting learning is supported by a perennial, growing, welcoming community of practice.

The course is fundamentally based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg, informed by Thom Bond's work with Albert Ellis and Werner Ehrhardt, both of whom had an influence on Rosenberg's path. Its primary goal is to provide a practical, step-by-step "how-to" guide for integrating conflict resolution skills like self-empathy, empathy, and emotional intelligence into daily life, relationships, and conflicts. It works, although it does require effort and perseverance for deeper impact.

## What the Course Covers

The curriculum is extensive, covering over 50 concepts and differentiations over the year. It starts with foundational ideas and builds to more advanced practices.

Key topics include:

- Needs Awareness: the core concept that all human actions are attempts to meet universal human needs.
- Self-Empathy: developing a compassionate understanding of your own feelings, needs, thoughts and judgments.
- Empathy: learning to listen and connect with the feelings and needs of others, even during conflict.
- Handling Difficult Emotions: specific practices for working with anger, guilt, and emotional triggers.
- Transforming Judgments: learning to translate judgments and criticisms (of self and others) into the underlying needs.
- Constructive Dialogue: tools for making clear requests and having difficult conversations with more connection, harmony and results.
- Appreciation: learning to express and receive gratitude.

There are optional course activities including Empathy Cafés, Empathy Circles, Empathy Buddy Support, and more.

## Course Format

The course is designed to be accessible, regardless of time or money constraints, allowing participants to engage when they wish. The main components are:

- Weekly Email Messages: the core of the course is delivered via 52 weekly emails. Each email includes a new concept to learn, a story to illustrate the concept, and practices and exercises to help you integrate the lesson into your life. The first email goes out on June 24th, 2026.
- 12 Monthly Conferences: on the second Monday of every month, starting July 13, 2026, Thom Bond, along with guest trainers from around the world, hosts a monthly 90-minute live video conference, followed by an optional 30 minutes of practice (via Zoom). These sessions review the recent lessons and include a Q&A with Thom and the Guest Trainers. All conferences are recorded and made available to participants afterward.
- 11 Monthly Deep-Dives: on the fourth Monday of each month, starting July 27th, Guest Trainers host a 90-minute Deep-Dive session to focus and deepen practice on one of the concepts from the weekly messages from that month.
- Online Community: participants get access to a private global community forum — a place to ask questions, find support, connect with other participants from around the world, find practice groups, mentors, and course resources such as recordings, weekly lessons and more.

## 2026 Course Schedule and Important Dates

- Registration for the 2026 Compassion Course opened on March 1st, 2026
- Course Start Date: June 24, 2026 — the first of 52 weekly course messages will be sent by email at 12:02 PM ET (New York Time). The course will continue for 52 weeks.
- There is a one-week period between the ending of the 2025 course and the beginning of the 2026 course, creating a one-week break for those who participate in both course years.
- Weekly messages are emailed every Wednesday at 12:02 PM Eastern Time for exactly 52 weeks.
- Monthly Conferences are held on the second Monday of every month at 12:00 PM US Eastern Time.
- Monthly Leadership Conferences are held on the 3rd Monday of the month at 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM US Eastern Time. Thom Bond will attend 6 of those.
- Monthly Deep-Dive Sessions are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 12:00 PM US Eastern Time.

Important Dates:

- May 18 — Welcome/Q&A For Leadership Program 2026: 1PM–2PM EST (60 minutes) on Zoom. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85295800506?pwd=Efb5ww6kM0IGEa81VvN3HSIJKbLF8M.1 — Meeting ID: 852 9580 0506 — Passcode: ofm
- May 24 — PG Facilitators and Mentors can list their offerings in the Leadership Directories.
- June 15 — #1 (of 12) Leadership Program 3rd Monday Conference, 12–2PM EST (2 hours). Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87156915019?pwd=xhhTbIG8EbKu0yeWzweVQQhQVKwMNa.1 — Meeting ID: 871 5691 5019 — Passcode: 2026
- June 24 — Course begins. Week 1 will be emailed at 12:02 PM ET (New York Time).
- July 7 — Last possible day to join the course.
- July 13 — #1 (of 12) Monthly Conferences on Zoom with Thom and a Guest Trainer. Starts 12:00 PM ET. Always on the 2nd Monday.
- July 27 — #1 (of 12) Monthly Deep-Dive Sessions on Zoom with a Guest Trainer. Starts 12:00 PM ET. Always on the 4th Monday.

## Pricing

Tuition for the 2026/27 course is:

- $190–$240 US Dollars for Participant Track
- $190–$240 US Dollars for Leadership Track
- $70 for a Certificate of Completion (optional add-on)

Financial Aid is available. For help with that contact: coursecoordinator@nycnvc.org

## Certificate of Completion

Participants can receive a Certificate of Completion by enrolling in the Certificate of Completion program and fulfilling the program requirements. Certificate holders are eligible to join the Mentor Program.

The optional Certificate of Completion costs an additional fee of $70 and includes:

- Document your progress: using the online platform to track weekly progress throughout the course
- Keep an online journal: document participation with a private online coursework journal for weekly readings, exercises and experiences
- Weekly Reminders: get weekly reminders and helpful hints and advice to help stay on track
- Have work confidentially verified by a Compassion Course faculty member at the end of the course year for certificate qualification. Note: verification does not include personal mentoring or feedback — it is specifically to verify that you have completed the work of the course.
- Pre-qualify to apply for the Mentoring Program

Certificate of Completion Q&A Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch7VkhQzPpg

## Practice Groups

Although the Compassion Course is designed as an individual course, many people find that joining a Compassion Course practice group helps them understand and practice the content of the course and stay more engaged, inspired and connected.

Compassion Course Practice Groups are led by CCO Facilitators who receive support, guidance and training throughout the year via 12 monthly Leadership calls, 6 of which include Thom Bond.

The Compassion Course Practice Group Directory includes useful information about Practice Group Organizers and Facilitators such as their course experience, personal background, available days and times, as well as fees (if any) and terms. Fees vary, although donation-based groups are often provided.

## Mentoring Program

The Mentoring Program is designed to support Compassion Course participants increase their learning by connecting them with Compassion Course Alumni who have received the Compassion Course Certificate of Completion.

The Compassion Course Mentor Directory includes useful information about Mentors such as their CCO experience, personal background, available days and times, as well as fees and terms.

## What Participants Receive

Compassion Course Participants receive:

- Weekly email lessons to support ongoing learning and reflection
- Monthly live conferences with Thom Bond and other CCO Leaders from around the world
- Access to the Global Compassion Network (GCN), an online space where CCO Participants connect through community forums, programs, practice group and mentor offerings, empathy partnerships, and special events
- Access to donation-based Empathy Program offerings including 90-minute Empathy Cafes designed to strengthen empathy skills with demos, practices and Q&As
- Optional Compassion Course Online (CCO) Practice Groups, facilitated by CCO trained Leaders. Fees are determined by group Leaders and may range from donation-based to a set fee.
- Optional one-to-one Mentoring on course content, offered by CCO trained Leaders. Fees are determined by individual Leaders and may range from donation-based to a set fee.

## Leadership Program

The Leadership Program is a training and mentorship experience for those who wish to facilitate Compassion Course Online (CCO) Practice Groups and/or serve as CCO Mentors within the course community.

Participation in the Leadership Program includes an annual enrollment fee of $240 or $190, and a one-time Certificate of Completion fee of $70 for CCO Mentors. The LP includes 12 monthly leadership conferences, 6 of which will include Thom Bond. After completing all program requirements, leaders may choose to offer their own CCO Practice Groups and/or Mentor services, whether for a fee, on a donation basis, or at no cost. All such fees, if any, are set and retained by the leader.

### Eligibility for CCO Leadership Program

Eligibility for CCO Leadership (Facilitator and/or Mentor) includes meeting the following requirements (or demonstrating equivalent experience):

- CCO Mentor: have received at least six mentoring sessions and at least one positive review, and have completed a one-time Certificate of Completion (COC).
- CCO Facilitator: have participated in a CCO Practice Group for at least one year.
- All Leaders: agree to NYCNVC Leadership Agreements.

### Leadership Program Graduate Benefits

Graduates of the Leadership Program have the option to:

- Create a profile on the Global Compassion Network (GCN) identifying their role and experience as a CCO Practice Group Facilitator and/or Mentor
- Advertise CCO Practice Groups and/or Mentor services to NYCNVC members through the GCN Event Calendars
- Receive ongoing leadership support, including monthly training, leadership conferences with Thom Bond, and continued learning and engagement with fellow leaders

### 2026 CCO Leadership Program Welcome and Q&A Session

Monday May 18, 2026, 1PM–2PM EST (60 minutes)
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85295800506?pwd=Efb5ww6kM0IGEa81VvN3HSIJKbLF8M.1
Meeting ID: 852 9580 0506
Passcode: ofm

For interested and registered 2026 CCO Leaders, whether Practice Group Facilitators or Mentors, to meet the 2025 CCO Leaders at the end of their 12th monthly meeting. Come get the feel of the group, hear how it feels to be a Facilitator or Mentor, and perhaps get questions answered about joining the track.

## Guest Trainers

More information about all guest trainers: https://compassioncourse.org/about

### Jayalakshmi (Jaya) Sengupta

Jayalakshmi (Jaya) Sengupta leads the Compassion Course community throughout India. She is a community builder, development journalist, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) practitioner committed to creating sustained, accessible practice spaces for meaningful transformation.

### Cory Tyler

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Cory's path shifted profoundly in 2012 when he attended a presentation on Nonviolent Communication at the Agape Spiritual Center while at the same time going through a divorce. His practice has been shaped by years of deep immersion, including eight years in Thom Bond's Compassion Course.

Learning the principles and practices of compassion aided Tyler to navigate through this difficult life event in a way he couldn't have imagined. This encounter sparked a lifelong commitment to compassionate communication — one he now describes as "finding gold." A parent to three teens, Cory is an NVC coach, mentor, and lead facilitator for the Spirit Awakening Arts Organization, bringing NVC principles into Los Angeles schools, one-on-one coaching, and community spaces.

### Sylvia Haskvitz

Sylvia has shared Nonviolent Communication and offered training throughout the world. She is the co-founder of the CALF (Candidates/Community Active Learning Forum) Program. She accompanies and mentors CALF members in their process towards certification. Sylvia co-created and co-facilitates Spiritual Sundays, a monthly online offering of Marshall Rosenberg clips to stay connected with his teachings directly. In her past, she hosted a radio show called Call in a Conflict and a television show called People Skills.

### Samuel Odhiambo

Samuel is a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) practitioner and social change advocate committed to nurturing cultures of empathy — beginning in the home and extending into communities and institutions. His work is grounded in the principles developed by Marshall Rosenberg, with a strong emphasis on self-connection, compassionate dialogue, and needs-based awareness. Samuel integrates NVC into parenting spaces, community learning environments, and organizational contexts, supporting individuals to move from reactive patterns toward conscious, values-driven engagement. He views parenting not simply as caregiving, but as peacebuilding in its most foundational form.

### Adam Kusio

Coordinator of the Polish version of the course. He leads community meetings, practice groups, and empathetic listening training.

### Clara Moisello

Clara Moisello embraced Nonviolent Communication as part of a journey of self-discovery and transformation that began when she left her home in Italy in 2006 to pursue doctoral studies in New York. While working as a neuroscience researcher at CUNY, she became deeply involved with the New York Center for Nonviolent Communication (NYCNVC), training under the mentorship of Thom Bond and facilitating practice groups and intensives — an experience that gradually led to a shift in her life and career.

### Alexandru Moldovan

Alexandru Moldovan is an internationally certified Nonviolent Communication (NVC) trainer, certified in 2020 through cnvc.org. He also works as a coach for individuals and teams, supporting people who want clearer, warmer, and more authentic relationships — at home and at work.

### Patrice Bret

Patrice Bret and his wife have 6 children from previous marriages and feel privileged to travel to spend time with their 8 grandchildren spread across different countries. Born and educated in France, he spent the second part of his life in Canada and values greatly what he has learned from the culture of each country. He has a passion for creative gastronomy and photography and their roles in emotional connections. He is a retired physician who enjoyed working at university hospitals in Lyons, France and McGill University and the University of Toronto in Canada. During the latter years of his career, he became interested in the role of emotions in leadership and in the past 15 years has studied mindfulness, trained as a coach, became a mindful eating practitioner, and finally discovered NVC. He is taking the CCO for the 7th time this year and has been a practice group facilitator for 5 years. The course format helped him greatly in integrating NVC tools in daily life.

### Thomas Abler

In 2003, while Thomas was already serving as a leadership trainer in the Austrian Armed Forces, he was introduced to Nonviolent Communication and was immediately captivated by it. He decided to incorporate it into his personal life, his family life, and his professional career, and to share NVC with others. Together with his wife Nicola, he lives according to the principles of NVC; he also had the opportunity to meet Marshall Rosenberg in person, and this experience completely transformed his life. He resigned from his position as a civil servant in the Austrian Armed Forces and now lives out his calling as a profession: building bridges between people through NVC. He also serves on the examination board for NVC trainers in the German professional association and is a university lecturer in social competence.

### Eran Teicher

Eran Teicher is a clinical psychologist, an NVC facilitator, trainer, and teacher, with training in psychodynamic and various humanistic modalities of psychotherapy and many years of experience accompanying deep personal, relational, and group processes. His work integrates NVC, IFS (Internal Family Systems), attachment-based therapy, and various mindfulness practices, with the aim of creating spaces of radical-compassionate honesty, connection, liberating choice, and deep compassion.

## Contact and Links

- Website: https://compassioncourse.org
- About page: https://compassioncourse.org/about
- Financial aid: coursecoordinator@nycnvc.org
- Certificate of Completion Q&A video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch7VkhQzPpg