Conflict to Connection Testimonials

Kathy Reaume Jackson

The difference this course has made in our lives in such a short time with each other and our children has been life-changing.

Sarah Bing & Christopher Heaman

Chris and I took the winter session of Andre and Summer’s conscious communication course.  We were blown away by all of the new tools we were presented with.

Under their guidance, we learned how to communicate using Non-Violent Communication as well as feelings and needs.  We have incorporated the tools from this course into our family dynamic and use them on a daily basis, not only with each other, but also with our children and friends.  We have grown the ability to support and understand each other, in turn creating richer and deeper connections.  We are getting less caught up in stories and are building safe spaces for the people in our lives as well as ourselves, to step into authenticity.  We feel empowered and connected, seen and heard.

Highly recommend to anyone looking for healthier relationships.

Gerald Cajindo

Robert Haviar

I had a good relationship with my oldest son for a long time now, but I have to say that our conversations were often brief and kept on a superficial level.  Even before he moved to Toronto and lived in the same city we often didn't speak or didn't see each other for 2 months at the time.  That has changed since my conscious communication course.

As we were diving deeper as a group and sharing more of our vulnerable selves, unconsciously it gave us permission to present ourselves like that in our everyday lives.  It was about week six of the CCC, when I had my phone conversation with my oldest son.  We end up speaking for over an hour in a deep conversation like never before.  We were both in tears sharing our most vulnerable selves and regained a depth of connection like never before.

The facilitators Summer and Andre have a deep dedication to know and live the truth.  They provide a safe, honest and dedicated space for the group to dive deep and support each other on the discovery of who we truly are.  The process of self discovery is the most exhilarating phenomena in this Universe and it is endless.

Thank you Summer and Andre!

Scott Annett & Katie Bessette

I HIGHLY recommend this course.  I’m currently right in the middle of it and it has been one of the most insightful, revealing, authentic, profound courses I have ever taken.  It is well thought out, supportive and Andre and Summer are magnificent facilitators.  I wish EVERYONE took this course, we’d all be better humans from it, I know I am.

Thank you Andre and Summer, great session last night and it was productive to be in the perceived “hot seat”.  Katie and I feel really close after each session, deeper layers of connection.  We are LOVING this course!!!!

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For me the Conflict to Connection Program changed the entire course of how my relationship could have gone and because of that, it changed my life for the WAY better.

Jewel Langlois

Jeremy Ashe

I've been participating in Andre Lam and Summer Bozohora's workshops for the past two years.  Besides being friends before the two connected and formed the workshop, I am very excited to talk about it.  These two have proven to be consistent and supportive friends.

I took Andre's workshop for 8 weeks discussing saboteurs within our minds.  This workshop has had an impact on how I see many situations now in my life, understanding that all individuals are dealing with personas that are impacting our ideas and thoughts whether we are aware or not. It helped me to take charge of my own energy and hold space for others without triggers that would have taken over my thoughts and ideas in the past.  Empowering myself in many different experiences.  Concluding better outcomes of conversations.  Related to work, relationships, or actions I've taken.  My Jedi mind is getting stronger and stronger in my days because of the knowledge I gained with Andre Lam.

I took Summer's workshop dealing with Non-Violent-Communication (NVC) within the last year.  This is a great experience discussing the triggers that set off us or set others around us off.  Communication is a big part of our society and in a lot of ways, I think we are getting it horribly wrong.  This course helps you to focus on your feelings and needs which transform with practice conversations that are focused on the actual issue being discussed.  Without straying off the subject which leads to arguments and disclosure between the parties involved.  This has helped me in so many situations impacting my relationships in such a positive way and the confidence within myself to approach conversations without the fear of them getting heated and, to be honestly scary; which would have previously led me to avoid them.

So in conclusion, I'm excited that since recently the two have come together to form a new workshop that combines the two teachings into one due to the similarities and the cohesiveness of the subject matter.  I am attending the first class and really looking forward to the impact they will have on many, many lives which I believe is very empowering in a society that I feel needs more support and empowerment.

Much appreciation.

Cathy Bowen

The course provided me with a language I needed and a structure for interacting within relationships, from the easiest to the most difficult.  I didn't even know what my feelings and needs were before this, let alone had any idea how to communicate them.  This was on top of identifying and naming the patterns of automatic behaviour that have been driving my actions.

I have thought of myself as a highly empathetic and socially aware person, but I still gained new insights and understanding into other people and what could be driving their behaviour.  Theory and practice came together for students to emerge with practical skills.

You don't know what you don't know, but I would recommend everyone take this course to find out.

Christopher McKim

I signed up for the class after meeting Andre and Summer at Rise Wellness Festival.  I was curious as to what the course had to offer as my partner and I were struggling to find meaningful connection, everything had devolved into tasks and mundane life.  I had generic goals of what I wanted to achieve.   I wanted to be a better person; I wanted to feel better, more aware, more whole.   I had come to realize that over my life I had been putting up walls.  I was distancing myself from connecting with others.  I don’t know when this began.  It’s so difficult to know how the trauma began.

I found the Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ) such a helpful springboard into discovering aspects of myself that were hiding and uncomfortable, aspects both positive and negative.  Andre and Summer facilitated in a profound way that allowed for vulnerability at each person’s own pace and capability.  I was hesitant in the beginning, to even join up for the course…it’s a big step to admit to oneself that there’s a big gap and potential for emotional growth, but after week two I knew I had made the right decision and had no difficulty setting aside the weekly meeting and homework times.

I feel that Andre and Summer provided such a safe space for tending the soul garden, a space with encouragement and no judgement.  They were adaptable with time management and capable facilitators both as individuals and as a pair.  The examples and vulnerabilities within their own life demonstrated that a person has to go beyond thinking about change, to implementing change, and sometimes this can lead to changes in relationships which can be surprising.  I reflect on this part the most, as it can be the saddest, that while a person can change they aren’t always the catalyst for change in others.  They simply can become a safe environment for others.

I found the PQ model by Shirzad great for becoming aware and softening the edges of conflict and the pairing and wisdom from Marshall Rosenberg gives so much hope in achieving the end goal of nonviolent communication.  These provided great insight for my work life as well.

I was moved by how passionate Andre and Summer were about these two methodologies; they had gleaned so much shareable wisdom and understanding.  They provided living examples of what it means to change and how beneficial it can be.

I’m grateful beyond words for the guidance of Andre and Summer 

Lorraine Schlotter

I had the pleasure of taking the Conscious Communication Course with Summer & Andre, and it did not disappoint.

Right after the course, I had a huge, painful situation, and this was my opportunity to practice conscious communication.  One of the people I used to judge behaved in a pattern I always reacted to and tried to control.  It never worked.  In changing the way that I reacted, they chose to auto-correct themselves!  The pattern we were locked into changed!

By letting go of control, I gave them the option to empower themselves & the thing I have been fighting to create for so many years spontaneously happened!

I’ve really come to understand and also actually change my responses.  I know, not just from my head, but from an inner feeling place, that I can’t control any relationship and all I can do is choose how I respond.  So very powerful!

Jarrett Davies

I approached Summer and Andre because I was having difficulty navigating certain heated moments in relationships.  I found I would be quick to react and trouble seeing a different perspective than my own to move past the issues in the relationship.

The course helped me by giving me tools to be aware of myself and how I sabotage myself and the "we" in the relationship through the Positive Intelligence work.  The NVC content then helped with working with the awareness to come to solutions to the challenges I was facing.  The course provided me a safe space to explore these things and get feedback as I worked to integrate the concepts to my current problems. I was able to learn from other student's examples and struggles as well.

The result was me finding a way to navigate the challenges I faced, have better communication and hold my partner in a more understanding safe space for understanding instead of painting them the enemy.  One thing I liked about the class was that even though the content required me to be open and vulnerable to be able to speak about my issues, Summer and Andre held a very respectful and playful atmosphere to explore the concepts and talk about the nitty gritty topics.

I found the experience to be enlightening and had profound effects on the quality of my relationships with myself and others.  I would recommend the course to people who are willing to put in the work that is required to have long lasting relationships.

Moniczka Kulaga

I really like this because what I came to realize within the last 2 weeks with the needs list is that I know I’m very good at verbalizing the feelings but I’ve never looked at what are the needs beyond it.  This has been really interesting to see why I feel so hurt and rejected so what are my needs that are not being met?  It’s very valuable.  I’m so excited, I’m telling everybody about this workshop!

Dharti Narayan

Communication has always been difficult for me in stressful or highly emotional states.  I’ve always lashed out, become very angry and controlling, but also being a people pleaser trying to keep the peace in situations.

Being a people pleaser, I always have this need to explain how I feel, but now I have tools to approach life in a more conscious way.  This course helped me identify my top saboteurs, help me become aware of moments when I needed to take a break, and quiet my mind.  I’m grateful for this course with Andre & Summer.  I enjoyed it and know it will give you the tools you need to approach life more consciously.

Cheryl Chapin

Conscious Communication is a truly amazing program.  I was skeptical at first as I have taken many personal development programs.  2 weeks into the program I was able to create some big changes which I have continued to build on.  One of the biggest relationships I struggle with, is a very toxic work environment which has a lot of different personalities and perspectives.  Conscious Communication helped me change and understand my self judgement and judgmental assumptions of others.  Learning a different way to be kinder and more compassionate with myself.

Oh, if you’re reading this and think I know this!  This is next level!  Yes you do!  Conscious Communication will take your ability to communicate and navigate tough conversations and situations with a new understanding.  This was risky as I always showed up at work with my mask, and armor on.  I was afraid to show any vulnerability or who I truly am.

Using what I have learned, I can breathe again in my work environment.  It only takes one person to start the change, that's me!  I have cracked open a new way of being and starting to see glimmers of change at work.  WOW this shit works!!  Am I perfect?  No, but when I have a misstep, the tools are easy access to course correct.

"Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change."- Wayne W Dyer

Bronson & Fatima 

I can speak to the course as I'm currently taking it with my partner.

We're both Loving it so far.  My partner hasn't taken a course like this so it's a new experience for her, but I've noticed changes in her mood and her approach to stress so far, especially when it comes to working through things with me and her own triggers.

Personally, I used to think communication was about saying the right words and now I am learning a new approach to communication which begins with working on understanding how I feel in the current moment, and making a genuine connection to another person while still getting my needs met.

The course offers a good exploration of who I am, who I was as a child, and how that comes out in ways that sabotage me and limits me from getting what I need.

The course format is fun, involved, with a little daily work.  I'm excited for the final weeks to come! Highly highly recommend this course for couples, and definitely great solo.

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Before I took this course, I knew I was not always right but I always hated the feeling of being wrong.  As much as I would try to hide my feelings, my displeasure would seep out into behavior such as defensiveness and stonewalling.  It's how I always was growing up, and now I find myself doing the same to people I care about.  I had a pattern.

This course provided a safe space for me to practice a new way of connecting with myself first, and then with others.  The PQ saboteur assessment called out unconscious personas that dominated when I had an unmet need.  Andre and Summer held a safe space for me to practice translating what those personas were asking for into everyday words.  I was able to put this into practice in my daily life within my relationship, friendships, and at work.

This is a great course to take with your partner and alone. Thank you Andre and Summer!

Carol Johnston

This course was divinely placed before me at the perfect moment in my life.  I was able to identify and differentiate emotions, feelings, wants and needs and integrate them into my day to day life.

Each method alone is invaluable but the way that Andre and Summer have combined the teachings and methods have brought it all into a concise and impactful program that has elevated not only my communication with the world around me but also, and perhaps more importantly, with myself.

Thank you for all that you do!

Hailey Sutherland & Tanner Drost

I decided to sign up for this 8 week Conscious Communication class because I had felt that there was lots of space for growth in my communication with my intimate partner.

What I discovered was that I needed to uplevel my communication with everyone, not just my partner.  There were so many areas within communication that I thought I was excelling in but what I realized was that what I thought was excelling was really a coping mechanism to avoid, divert, and suppress what really needed to be said.  From this 8 week experience, I've found that I am able to understand and hear my own, and others' feelings and needs clearly, and work out a more constructive solution.

There is still lots of room to grow and I will happily take this course and then next ones again.  Thank you Summer and Andre!

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I felt resistant to starting the course as I was very busy with my business and didn't feel I had enough time to take on the commitment.  However the value that I received from Summer and Andre’s course was well worth the "effort" it takes.  It was fun, informative, and most important to me, gives you immediate tools that you can start applying to your life.

This course gave me tools that I immediately began using within my business.  It changed how I interact with my staff, how I conduct meetings, and improved communication with my partner, who I did the class with.  What I learned here, will no doubt, continue to add value for the foreseeable future.

Thanks again for the awesome experience!  Not to mention, it was fun!

Veona Drennan

I highly recommend this course to anyone who has a strong desire to improve personal relationships with self and others.  It applies to any circumstance life brings to us!  The course study involved a commitment of reading, in-class practice, daily homework and real-life application.  Investing in myself using this brilliant method of non-violent communication skills and recognizing saboteurs in my life opened my eyes to why encounters with others sometimes went sideways.

These tools helped me better understand the needs of others, as well as myself.  I learned how expressing feelings and needs without judgment opened the door to handle difficult situations with a win-win result. 

Personally, the benefits have been extraordinary. I have learned how to rectify uncomfortable conversations that in the past would have bothered me for days. Handling conflicts with these skills has brought me closer to my family.  My self-esteem, confidence and self-respect have improved.  There is less self-inflicted stress in my life.  I notice my saboteurs and internal judge and stop them before they ruin my day.  I have more empathy for myself and others and my life as a result is more peaceful.  My internal judge is not running my day, my thoughts are more positive and my brain is more clear.  I ask for clarification more and people feel heard and acknowledged, something I struggled with how to do in the past.

I am hopeful and believe that with daily practice the quality of my life will keep improving. Thank you Summer and Andre. This has been a life-changing experience that I am eternally grateful to you both for.

Christopher Nielsen

Joining Andre and Summer's conscious communication course brought me a new recognition of myself and all the relationships I have with the world around me.

I had planned to take this course with my previous partner.  When we broke up, I made the decision to take the course in search of something deeper in my relationships.  And upon joining, I felt deeply understood and had a lot of clarity on the importance of how we speak to ourselves and others.

Andre and Summer have such a passion and care in what they do.  It truly shows through their work and the ways that they demonstrate the skills that they are teaching.  The ability to have an example of the real application is transformational.  Especially with the authentic human experience that is witnessed.

I feel as though through this course I was able to disassemble and then reassemble the ways that I communicate and reconnect with life in an integrational way.  This experience has reshaped all of my relationships in formative and healing ways.

Vanessa Pouliot

I recently completed the Conscious Communication class with Summer and Andre.  Both of them are highly skilled facilitators who share their wisdom with integrity, compassion and directness.  Hearing their personal stories of how they have implemented this work in relationship with each other is a testament to how they are living by example and truly embodying what they teach, which I deeply admire.

What a blessing it was to dive into the combined work of Positive Intelligence and Non-violent Communication, the overlap of concepts and the way they supplemented one another was truly brilliant.  Getting to know my saboteurs, their origin, how they show up in my life, how to intercept them and how to bring myself to a more balanced place so that I am operating from my Sage self are some of my biggest takeaways of the Positive Intelligence work.  From the Non-violent communication side, learning a framework and greater vocabulary for expressing my own feelings and needs and understanding the feelings and needs of others more empathically was a huge takeaway and has supported me in making life more beautiful and connected!

I am grateful for the consistent daily practice of mental fitness through the Positive Intelligence app, it absolutely supported a great shift in how I show up and my ability to respond vs. react in situations where I am activated.  From that place of responsiveness, I can more easily tune in to myself and/or the other human(s) who I am interacting with to understand what is alive in them from the perspective of their feelings and needs - and when this is understood, I have greater patience, empathy, compassion and take action from a place of love.

Thank you Summer & Andre for this gift of awareness in creating a more beautiful life.

Cayla Twerdochlib

I found the experience of taking the Conscious Communication course with Andre and Summer to be very powerful.

The course really shed light on how much I self-sabotage and how much I judge myself on a day-to-day basis.  It brought a lot of unconscious thoughts and emotions to the surface.  As a result of being in this course I was able to intercept and redirect my need to emotional eat - something I have never been able to do in the present moment.  A lot of the tools and processes shared within this course are practical and useful to add into your daily life.

I would recommend this course to anyone struggling with authentically relating to yourself and others, to anyone who is wanting to deepen and strengthen their relationship with self and others.

Dallas Moravec

My experience in Andre and Summer's course on conscious communication provided me with invaluable wisdom and teachings that I will carry with me forever.

Initially, I entered the course with a lot of confidence, only to quickly realize that I was not as strong a communicator as I had believed, particularly when it came to expressing my feelings and needs and truly listening to others

After completing their 8-week course, I now have a much richer vocabulary to express myself more accurately and a deeper understanding of those around me.

I highly recommend this course to everyone.

Val Blize

Well these two awesome, organized, lovely people run a great program.  They are such a great balance together with the lessons, videos, testimonials and having the group share their feelings and needs, throughout the program.

My experiences and learning from all the lessons is still continuing with me!!  Mostly I have learned to listen more in depth to family and friends.  Be more understanding and compassionate with them.  Being more aware of their feelings & needs in stressful situations. PQ reps, mostly the breathing, helps me center and have more awareness to what is going on around me.

I have achieved easier connections with family.  You two rock and the humor makes it a bit lighter to learn.  Thanks a bunch.

Stephanie Weiner

I enrolled in the course upon the recommendation of a trusted friend.  I liked the idea of having a vocabulary for feelings and needs to aid in all areas of life, and especially communication.

For my experience, I was ready to dive deep into my wounding around having needs and expressing my feelings.  This journey helped me identify that the key to meeting my need for safety and trust is vulnerability (mine and being around others willing to go there with me).  It sounds simple, however I assure you, this was massive for me and has opened a doorway to connecting through vulnerability in all areas of my life and has deepened existing relationships with family and friends, and helped me navigate conflict in a new, easeful and loving way.  The way I think about my communications and how I navigate them has been transformed for the better.

Summer and Andre are a wonderful complement one to the other, each bringing their perspective and passion for helping us learn and for this work.  They offer practical support for communications for real situations, whatever is alive in your world.  Working with them and the group is enlivening and enriching.

Aakash Anantharaman

I had a couple of light bulb Moments where I realized that my partner wasn't accusing me of being incompetent, but it was a plea for recognizing her need.  She gave examples of how she was disappointed in her silly way.  In the past, I would either get defensive, or dismiss her feelings.  When my partner did that last week I quickly realized what was going on, then laughed.  Just laughed.  I felt the mood change a few times.  She would start easing in and relaxing and sharing other silly things that were nothing to do with it being incompetent any more.  And we are becoming more affectionate again.

Laurita Roberts

It is with great appreciation that I provide this written testimonial for the 8 week workshop I attended with Summer and Andre this past fall 2023.

It was a profound learning experience, where I was introduced to parts of myself I hadn't really been fully conscious of before taking their program.  It was an eye opener in many ways, and I would consider it a key component in my on-going personal self-discovery and self-development program

I am now more aware of certain parts of myself that could use my love and attention.  I am grateful for the way in which they facilitated the weekly group sessions, which allowed us all to share and learn from each other.  I loved their experiential and highly engaged approach.

I would highly recommend this program of self discovery to anyone wanting to work on themselves and become a better version of themselves.