Sam @sammytton & Romina @nawhinthemaking - for help with graphic design and logo
@jadeeleanorweddings & @horizon_lens_photography___ & @krtuojaveski & @kenbuslay & @sho.time.studios & @eyeworks.photo - for the photos on this website
My parents - for giving me the gift of life and then nourishing me in innumerable ways whilst I grew
My siblings and grandparents - for giving emotional support and guidance when needed
My extended family - for their continued loving support whilst I've explored the edges of what is possible and acceptable outside what society said is 'normal'!
All the friends & allies & strangers along the way of my life - for contributing to my survival, growth, missions and joy in all different chapters
Ceri Buckmaster - for being my first (and continued) teacher of Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
As well as Tracy Seed & Rik Midgley & Nati Beltran & Shantigarbha Warren & Gesine Schrader & Cath Burke & Sarah Ludford & Jo McHale & Barry Jones - for helping me deepen my embodiment of NVC
Nans Thomassey - for being an inspiring mentor and friend whom understands the world of gifts I've seen
Simone Hoffenblad - for inducting me into "Concious Wrestling"
The National Health Service of England (NHS) & all those who support it - for saving my life at the age of 12 and continuing to keep me alive since
All the people of: Ittoen (Japan) & Angsbacka (Sweden) & Sea Shepherd & NVC-UK & Bristol Zen Dojo - for giving me community, belonging and shared meaning
Marshall Rosenberg (1934-2015) & Tenko Nishida (1872-1968) - for being sources of practical inspiration whom I never met, but paved the way of new roads to ancient truths
Buddha & Jesus & Lao Tzu & Dōgen Zen-ji & S. N. Goenka-ji & Osho & countless others from the past - for their teachings pointing me to look inwards to the nature of my being
"It felt like a great privilege to have Elia work with us for some time. He brought something very unique, with his strong presence, his creative perspectives, his unwavering commitment to truth and care. He is always welcome back."
"Elia was a facilitator in the project ‘Bodies of Change’ in Croatia. Elia has an inspiring background in youth work, and has worked as a facilitator in trainings and workshops that focussed on embodiment and mental health. His training in Non-Violent Communication (NVC) was also a fundamental part of his work in the project."
"Elia brings a refreshing authenticity to all his work - his courage to express his needs and help others to get in touch with theirs makes him unique. His empathy and presence has helped me navigate through challenging times, and given me an experience of what compassionate resonance feels like… something we often don’t realise we are lacking in until we experience it."
"From the beginning, Elia was received by our students as a kind, helpful teacher who deserves respect. He is quick to recognize and adjust his way of teaching to each student's current ability, and seeing him trying hard to improve himself, students learnt how one can behave to achieve their goals."
"When Elia worked at Leela Personal Development Centre, I found his presence a good example on how to live a happy and joyous life. Elia is intellectually intelligent and also, importantly, emotionally intelligent. He is an outgoing person with a well-developed sense of awareness."
"I am yet to find any example of NVC being so heart-rooted & well implemented, as well as clear & easily implementable put forward than what Elia exemplifies, embodies & teaches.
It was so impressive, to feel how no “weight” whatsoever, was put on the other person, to change or feel any of the judging, blaming, or other ways of subtly pressuring/manipulating that we are all used to.
And how lovely it feels to receive someone & communicate in that way!
It’s truly a feat that has inspired me immensely."
"My partner and I had an empathy session with Elia and it was profoundly impactful.
His approach to conflict resolution and compassionate communication feels extraordinarily healthy and transformative. My partner and I discussed in length post-session how much lighter and clearer we felt and how much understanding we seemingly ‘suddenly’ felt for each other. I’ve never experienced a “therapy/counselling/healing” session that feels so impactful before. It’s wonderfully refreshing!"
"Elia is a master at holding a space for people to speak about things that they find challenging or uncomfortable. He is able to mediate conflict and difficult conversations in a way that encourages people to say what needs to be said and agree what needs to happen in order to move forward. I greatly appreciate his support whenever I have personal or professional issues that I find overwhelming."
"I experienced Elia to be a conscientious man who genuinely cared for those in his charge. His presentation and public speaking skills are noteworthy; he speaks eloquently, his annunciation is clear, the tempo is just right, he sprinkles just enough humour to keep the audience entertained and the content is relayed in a relatable and fun fashion."
"My partner reached out to Elia for a mediation when our conflicts became overwhelming. By guiding us with his pioneering techniques, and an incredible devotion to seeing the beauty in our words, he invited vulnerability and empathetic understanding which had long been blocked by fear and pain. I’m so inspired by, and grateful for, his warmth, curiosity and skill."
"For me, Elia is a special example of bravery and inner honesty; someone who decides to live according to his values and face the fears that arise from taking such decisions. When I look at difficult life choices about the path I might take, I have his example in the back of my mind reminding me of all the possibilities that life offers, as well as how to apply courage. I admire Elia and his choices."
"Elia struck me as someone with exceptional amounts of empathy and compassion. Over my many years spent in the industry it is extremely rare to come across someone with as much humility, and as well communicating with extreme clarity. I could not recommend him enough."
"I still can remember the tone of Elia's voice, his pure active listening, letting me talk and express, I still feel the presence; and from that day I took a decision of a changing life that brings more love. Now reading his website it just inspired me, and made me trust more the path I follow. Thank you."
"I was feeling very anxious all the time about a situation that was outside of my control. After a session of a healing empathy with Elia, not only can I now connect to what I'm needing, but I also have a lot more empathy for the other party in the situation, and can now connect a lot more to the the reasons why I care in this situation. This has helped alleviate a lot of the pain and reconnect to what's important."
"Your dedication, energy and inventiveness as a facilitator are inspiring, as well as the way you navigate into the world and among people. The fact that you take on roles to hold the space for people while staying true to yourself reminds me that playfulness and truthfulness can go hand in hand."
"Elia doesn’t try to change me or fix me. He trusts me, and offers a grounded curious presence which I find is the most supportive and transformative thing."
"Elia is one of the people that I admire the most. He can help anyone to remember the importance of caring, listening and support that everyone gives and receives in our lives with each other. With non violent communication you can reach deeper into the emotions and needs in our surroundings and that absolutely affects the way you behave towards others and listen to yourself. It looks like the world nowadays is ruled by an economical power that doesn't always bring the best of people so thank you Elia for not giving up."
"Elia has space in his heart to welcome people with all their facets. His enthusiasm is contagious when it comes to understanding humans. The Language of Trust course he offers is structured and well balanced between input of knowledge and practice time. But it is not only a course, it’s a whole experience: of profound sharing, connections beyond borders, and a transformative approaches... I can tell it's such a gift to the world!"