Do you want to:
speak truth with care?
be heard by your friends, family, co-workers?
respond to others with integrity, compassion and honesty even in high stress situations?
understand the essence of any message, no matter its delivery?
de-escalate tense situations?
find collaborative solutions that work for all?
When we encountered some interpersonal difficulties in our business, I knew Rachel was the one to call. Rachel jumped right in to help our team. She has a deep understanding of human dynamics, and a unique way of validating emotions and needs, to get past ego, anger, and hurt to find connection. She was able to quickly sift through complex personality dynamics to help our team connect and work together in a way that I, as a leader, was struggling to accomplish. Rachel helped our team mediate a situation that felt insurmountable to me, and I will not hesitate to reach out to her again for in the future.
Carly Van Hof Thomson, Business Manager, Zia Taqueria and Sage Restaurants
My mission is to inspire and support both personal and community growth by offering tools of collaboration, communication and transformation. I aim to empower individuals, couples, families, schools, and organizations through practices that promote authentic expression, openhearted listening and collaborative problem solving.
Facilitating a decision making process called Convergent Facilitation with Animas High School staff.
Rachel helped us to emerge out of a very tense situation at the workplace where my key employee and I were locked in mutual distrust and unhappiness, and the disease was spreading to the rest of the staff. By the time we made our way through Rachel’s insightful, fair, gentle mediation, my employee and I had regained mutual trust, appreciation and a healthy working relationship. The surrounding atmosphere had cleared. The whole team could now move forward.
Rachel had put us at ease enough to communicate with one another in ways we had never known how to do before. We learned to see each other’s strengths and needs. She also helped us to develop strategies for working more collaboratively. I thought I was already doing that, yet I discovered that - as the owner - I was making decisions more unilaterally than I thought I was. I will be a more effective employer with a happier staff moving into the future."
Mahalo nui loa - thank you so very much,
Renée Tillotson, Still and Moving Center. Honolulu, Hawaii
Rachel co-facilitated a 4 hour workshop on healthy communication and group problem solving called "Speak Truth, Hear Love" at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango this past spring. Her calm, rock solid demeanor, deep compassion, and keen insight reflecting years of experience with NVC and human attempts to communicate with understanding was phenomenal. Rachel's expertise and professionalism was vitally important to the success of this workshop. An attendee remarked, "I did not want to spend 4 hours on a Saturday at a workshop but when it ended, the time felt too short! !"
Sherrod Beall, Unitarian Universalist Federation of Durango
Offerings:
Mediation
Working with Rachel I always felt her full attention, I felt heard and in the company of a person with the utmost integrity. It’s easy to trust Rachel, to trust she will meet a situation equally with equanimity and discernment, to respond to what she sees and feels with truth, kindness, honesty, fairness and with only what will be helpful to all parties. I recommend Rachel’s mediation services (and more) unequivocally and without hesitation.
Ellen Stein, Marketing Director for First Southwest Bank
Families, couples, individuals, youth
I love working with Rachel Turiel because she helps me understand how to put myself in other peoples’ shoes, while at the same standing up for myself and getting my needs met. Throughout my life I have either allowed myself to be walked on, or I have become angry to the extreme. There is a middle path. I am learning how to find that path with Rachel. It’s not an easy process to break decades of habitual reactions and thinking, but I am committed and now believe it’s possible under her guidance.
Lizzy Scully, CEO Four Corners Guides
Businesses, organizations, schools
Rachel's skillful facilitation of a Restorative Circle and process for generating proposals (Convergent Facilitation) helped our full staff collaboratively identify our most pressing needs as a school, move through some difficult obstacles, better articulate our shared values and find an action-oriented path forward. Rachel is a deep, careful listener and a talented guide who helps groups move towards problem-solving strategies without trying to solve problems for them, thereby developing authentic investment in the outcome. Our work with Rachel has helped us courageously acknowledge some tensions we'd let simmer beneath the surface and pushed us towards greater understanding. In addition, Rachel offered valuable facilitation for our administrative team that helped us discover key strategies for navigating a leadership transition with grace. She models and teaches important communication strategies in an accessible way that opens hearts and minds.
Libby Cowles, Assistant Head of School, Animas High School
Clientele:
Rachel’s Nonviolent Communication workshops have provided us with the language, tools, and practice to shift our mindsets and move our school community to a place of empowerment. We’ve come to realize that Nonviolent Communication is the connective tissue that holds together our trauma-informed philosophy, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning. Rachel has reached our staff, parents, care-givers, and students giving us all a common language, and the hope to make our school and home experiences move from a place of surviving to thriving. Rachel’s ability to connect with all ages and with people from diverse backgrounds and values makes her work powerful and change making.
— Elizabeth Barszcz, Principal / Silverton Public School
SOLES 3Cs:
Community, confidence and communication for teenage girls.
“I learned to improve as a person to manage and identify my emotions and to be able to express myself better.”
- Mariana C. Participant in SOLES 3Cs: community, confidence, communication.
Testimonials
Rachel did such an amazing job presenting “Speak Truth with Care” at our Board Retreat and was the perfect tee up for our board offsite. Our board members were buzzing about the insights and using the new skills all through the retreat weekend.
Melissa Morman, Board President of Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center, NM
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In the 6 week course I spent learning NVC principles from Rachel, I experienced her as a genuine, thoughtful, reliable facilitator. Her presence and professionalism lent itself to a coherent and collaborative blend of structure and flow. I learned as much from integrating the course content as I did from observing her skillful facilitation approach. I would wholeheartedly recommend Rachel’s offerings to clients, colleagues and loved ones who are seeking a more compassionate way of relating to oneself and ones many relations.
Willow Ruth, Dolores, CO
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I want to thank you for your kindness and support in our work together regarding my relationship with a family member. He did come for a visit last weekend and we were able to clear the air and have an honest and respectful conversation. I applied the NVC skills as best I could and felt good about how it turned out. He said he wished we had had this conversation a lot earlier! Much gratitude and I look forward to doing more work with you in the future.
Dr Keneen Hope McNiven, AZ
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I wanted to follow up with you, and say a profound thank you for your investment and insight into our family. I wish we lived closer and could continue our visits in person. We have interacted now with several licensed therapists and physicians, and while we are grateful to have their assistance, none have been so intelligent, measured, curious and inquisitive as you. What I appreciate most about your approach is your capacity to actively listen. This is a rare skill and one honed too rarely. I value your desire to first build a foundation of understanding. Even just this is healing.
M.R, Albuquerque
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Your workshop, “Feedback without Criticism” that you held with us a few months ago is still resonating with the Management Staff who attended. I watch them slow their responses, think things through and express themselves in non-judgmental ways. Sometimes a tense encounter will occur but then later, the participants analyze their words in terms of what they learned in the workshop and how they might have handled the situation differently. We’ve all experienced a difference in our communications in our work environment after the workshop.
Joe Zwiebach, General Manger, Durango Natural Foods Co-op
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My child had this to say: 'You are SUCH a better mom now than you were before you started the class. I can't believe how much you have changed.' And she's right. In particular, I have noticed that my new skills in empathetic listening have opened up really strong channels of communication and trust building. This is incredibly valuable to me right now, as we are navigating some very difficult and scary waters related to teen mental health. Like my child, I am a work in progress, but by learning these tools, and practicing them in my own unique way, I have made a tremendous amount of progress in parenting in a way that reflects my deepest values and commitments.
Kyce Bello, Santa Fe
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My husband and I started seeing Rachel, not because anything was wrong, but I felt things could just be better.Our time with Rachel became a safe space for us to talk. With her facilitation we came to understand each others needs and reasons for actions. This has led to a more cohesive homelife and a greater sense of strength and companionship. In sessions, Rachel always checked in with each of us to make sure we were feeling heard, and that what was heard was true to our feelings. Rachel is patient and compassionate and I am so grateful for our work together.
AvF, Dolores, CO 2023
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Things have been really great since our family mediation. Not perfect but it’s like something unlocked for my teenage daughter. She is less angry with me and is more open to communication.
Laura Lindley Guiterrez, Oregon 2023
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My husband, his sister, my mother in law and I all gathered to regroup after covid and the death of my father in law with the intention of adapting to the new family dynamic. After working with Rachel there is an ease that we have with each other that has not been here in quite some time, maybe never.
My mother in law has been relieved and grateful. We seem to be integrating with fresh and broader perspective. I am so grateful for Rachels skill and care. We probably could use it every week but we will baby step our way forward.
Nikki Gillespie, Dolores, Co 2022
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So far if I had to sum it up I would say this practice Rachel gave us brings us so much peace. For so long it felt like we were against each other, needing to defend our own point of view or attack the other. And so ultimately we were separate from one another. I find that when we practice empathy there is no battle. It's really quite beautiful.
Kristin B, Durango
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I would like to share some of the comments that atendees to the series in Spanish “Construyendo Salud Emocional” shared with us after your talks:
- Rachel gave me the tools to communicate better with my neighbors
-I feel like I was not understanding well my children and life was harder before I attended Rachel’s classes
- my favorite part was when I learned what my needs were and are. She really changed my perspective around things.
Wendolyne Omaña, Director of Construyendo Poder, 2022
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Rachel is one of the kindest, most compassionate, and down-to-earth people I have ever met. And after knowing her for years, I turned to her for a few sticky situations. She helped smooth out both with kind, clear and positive communication that was rather impressive. She can work with a variety of ages and diverse situations, from individuals to organizations and businesses. She is someone you can trust with truly anything!
Paige, Mexico, 2022
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Thank you for your continued support for Silverton School. NVC has become a way of life for many of our staff, parents and even students. Your calm, consistent, honest way has helped us all learn about ourselves, each other and our children!
Elizabeth Barszcz, Principal / Silverton Public School, 2022
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We owe so much of our work to your support. You definitely set us up for success and modeled stellar, intentional, and compassionate facilitation.
Ashley Carruth, Animas High School staff, 2022
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Thank you so much again for the incredible parenting class you taught. I feel so honored to have been a part of it. Our home feels transformed. It took a while but I think the approach worked so much better than time outs, etc. The pace of life has not slowed but our stress has subsided and there is just so much more joy. Thank you doesn't even seem sufficient to convey the gratitude I feel.
Maya Kane, attorney
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Thank you Rachel for your leadership and exemplary methods and approach. You set us up for success by facilitating a brilliant day. I took so much away from it.
Dave Farkus, Animas High School staff, 2022
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I liked how you frequently stopped us as we were working through the non- violent communication process and pointed out a misstep - usually that we weren't fully listening to the other person before putting forth our opinion or emotion. This showed how much practice we need and heightened our awareness to the skill of becoming a better listener - and a more respectful one.
Jeannie O. - participant in a Restorative Circle, 2021
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My former husband, his wife, and I met with Rachel to discuss some things we were seeing with our son. Rachel was extremely helpful in helping us see deeper into what our kiddo may be feeling, thus inspiring us to take a more heart-centered approach with addressing behaviors. Rachel's presence is very grounding, honest, comforting and encouraging. She has very creative - yet very practical - ideas and insights about meeting kids where they are to help them (and ourselves) roll with life's challenges.
Joslyn Erica, owner of Hummingbird Herbals
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Let’s face it, life is tougher than ever these days and it’s so very easy to take out our frustrations on our significant other. Lucky for us to have found Rachel! She is the perfect combination of therapist, life coach and communications expert. We have the easiest time discussing our issues with her due to her innate empathy, patience and kindness. She is able to provide constructive feedback that helps us to delve deep into our issues as a couple and guide us to the best possible solutions. We recommend Rachel highly to anyone needing help with clear, empathetic, nonviolent communication!
Dr Nora K and David H, Los Angeles 2021
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Our entire organization recently took part in Rachel’s Nonviolent Communication workshops. The training gave us the tools and methods as well as practice to build confidence to be able to really improve our communications and understand each other much better. Understanding our needs and being willing and active to understand the needs of those whom we work and live with is such a powerful gift/process. Rachel connected so well with our staff which includes a broad age range and diversity. She was a pleasure to work with and we will not hesitate to engage with her again in the future.
Rob Spath – Chief Executive Officer, Conservation Legacy, 2021
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Who knew that basic listening is the tool to more compassionate communication? Who knew that our basic needs are the birth place of our voice? Who knew that considering a different perspective could change the dialogues we have every day? Who knew? The principles of non-violent communication are powerful tools that we all can use in both our personal and professional communications. Rachel presents the elements of this concept in a very engaging, intriguing and compelling format. She creates a secure forum for honest expression of feelings and judgements. The tools of this approach can potentially be the key to how we begin a new narrative. Thank you, Rachel, for your passion and persona.
Ann Morse, Director Manna Soup Kitchen
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Rachel is someone you feel automatically close to. She is kind and very professional. I felt super comfortable with her and she was like a sister when we finished our Restorative Circle.
Mark Ott, Mancos, CO; 2021
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In Rachel’s workshop, Say What You Mean, I learned how to communicate to another person while taking into consideration the other person’s point of view. I also learned how to listen without giving feedback at that time or focusing on what I am going to say next without trying to alter the other persons opinion.
Dewa I. Age 12
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Rachel sets a wonderful example for what she teaches. She has a beautiful ability to hold space for conversations to unfold and to then use the content as a teaching tool. I found the real life examples and role playing very valuable in deepening my understanding of the use of language in NVC. I hope to experience more of Rachel’s gift for teaching in future classes.
Mona Hoffman, Durango CO
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You have helped us immensely!! We are looking forward to continuing to grow and learn how to be better leaders with your guidance and support!
Ryan Lowe and the Ore House Restaurant Managers
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We are so grateful Rachel presented her “Listening to Connect” workshop to our Sen Gen (Senior Generation) group at the dharma center recently. As we age, it’s even more important to communicate this sometime-challenging time in a compassionate and caring way. Rachel clarified how our feelings and emotions can be based in foundational human needs. Through real stories and participation, we worked through several scenarios that really hit home. It’s never too late for self-discovery! Thank you Rachel, for sharing your joyful wisdom with our community of elders.
Martha McClellan, Sen Gen Facilitator @ Durango Dharma Center
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The Yogadurango staff wanted to offer a gift to our employee team that was relevant and useful to enrich all parts of life. Rachel shared her rich experience of Non-Violent Communication and it was delivered in such an authentic, compassionate and loving way. She connected deeply with each of us in a short time and shared with us tools that we could immediately use in our lives. Within an hour of completing the workshop one of our employees communicated with us that this workshop was the most valuable employee meeting that they had ever attended. The NVC workshop was nourishing on so many levels and left us all hungry for more.
We are so grateful for you Rachel and the teaching that you share.
The Yogadurango Leadership Team
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La Plata Civil Dialogue would like to thank Rachel Turiel for her guidance in training our group in using nonviolent communication techniques. Rachel’s teachings are an extremely valuable tool and resource for community organizations.
La Plata Civil Dialogue
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I feel eager to practice more and learn more about NVC. I am happier when I use NVC, it’s a great asset to my relationships. I feel honored and happy that nonviolent communication has helped me to notice my feelings of being overwhelmed and given me the tools to communicate in a way that honors this feeling. Hooray!
Charlie Kiene, Durango, CO