Author Archives: Patricia Vriesendorp

Non-Violent Communication (NVC): Upcoming Workshop

We all want some form of connection. Communication is one of the key ways we connect with others. Being able to give and receive form the core gifts of connection. When we are able to have our needs met in our connections it is so powerful and affirming. Yet these gifts often get lost… in […]

Women’s Group: Setting Commitments

I am going to…learn German, lose weight, write a book, learn how to play the guitar, start a business…! Often we have fantastic ideas and intentions of what we want to achieve. Yet struggle to reach them, and judge ourselves when we don’t. A common one I hear is: “I am going to learn to […]

Mindful Eating – Mind over Munching?

Many of us may find ourselves falling into unhealthy eating patterns. Society places a lot of pressure on us about how we should look, what we should eat and to incorporate all this within our busy day to day schedules. It is hard to juggle it all and know how to put it into practice.

Difficulty Sleeping?

Difficulty sleeping can impact so many areas of our life! Here is a blog by key co-developer, writer and researcher in the ACT community sharing his ideas on the topic … Having a Hard Time Sleeping? Do Nothing!

Boundaries – Too Close or Too Far?

In the Women’s Group, we continue exploring boundaries. Everyone can benefit from looking at their boundaries… some of us could say “yes” more and let people closer, while others of us could benefit from saying “no” more and take more space for ourselves. Looking at our boundaries requires us to consider who we are and […]

Child Care Part 2: What are the options?

I will try to provide a brief description of the key services in Switzerland with at least one local example from the Biel area. Keep in mind differences do exist between urban and rural areas. Child care options vary in the level of structure, frequency, length and cost. Services fall into roughly 2 categories: 1. […]

Swiss Child Care Services Part 1: It takes a village…

Moving to a new country means not just learning a new language, a new place, and new culture. It also often entails leaving behind our support networks. This is particularly difficult for families, who may be juggling new jobs, new climates, learning new languages while trying to parent in a different cultural context.

Women’s Group Starting! 27 June

I am so excited that the women’s group will be starting! I have seen and experienced the power of women together and want to create more space for it in English here in Switzerland.?

Anger and Compassion

Anger often shows up when and how we least want it to. This morning I had to separate my two boys because they were totally angry with each other, calling each other names, blaming the other and wanting to hit each other. I became angry myself. What was this?!