Episode 17:

Trauma and Mindful Communication

In this episode, David speaks with Oren Jay Sofer, a meditation instructor and trauma professional who also teachers Nonviolent Communication—a process of interpersonal communication designed to help navigate conflict. In their conversation, Oren and David discuss the philosophical roots of nonviolent communication and how they apply to mindfulness and trauma; ways that an understanding of trauma and the nervous system can help people navigate conflict; and the unique challenges social media poses to mindful communication.

Oren Jay Sofer teaches mindfulness, meditation, and Nonviolent Communication in both secular and Buddhist contexts. He’s the author of Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication, and co-author of two books on teaching mindfulness to teens and adolescents: The Mindful Schools Curriculum for Adolescents and Teaching Mindfulness to Empower Teens. Oren’s work is also informed by his professional training in Somatic Experiencing (SE) for healing trauma, and he’s created mindfulness programs for Apple, Kaiser Permanente, and 10% Happier.