About

Katie Testa is Founder and Executive Director of Metro Detroit Nonviolent Communication, where she provides training, mentoring, coaching, public speaking, and consulting services across the Great Lakes Region and internationally. She also acts as Lead Trainer, Mentor, and Program Coordinator for the New York Center for Nonviolent Communication based in New York City.

Connecting with and supporting people as they learn this new way of thinking and being brings deep meaning, purpose, and inspiration to Katie. She enjoys sharing this unique peacemaking skill set and consciousness with anyone who is motivated to learn, empowering them to connect more deeply and authentically with both themselves and others. Holding a vision of a peaceful, connected world comprised of life serving systems, Katie focuses her efforts toward societal change via facilitating connection within individuals and their immediate relationships. 

In addition to her expertise in Nonviolent Communication, Katie serves as US Liaison for the International Attachment Network, an organization dedicated to promoting the fundamental role of attachment theory in all aspects of human connection. IAN advocates and educates on Attachment Theory’s application for improved outcomes in the fields of psychological health, healthcare, social care, education, and public policy.

Beyond NVC and attachment theory, Katie is inspired by and trained in a variety of modalities and frameworks, including Internal Family Systems Therapy, an evidence-based model, transformative psychotherapy, and empowering paradigm which embraces the natural multiplicity of the mind and enables us to become integrated and whole. IFS takes a non-pathological approach to addressing psychological issues, making it compatible with NVC, and is life-changing for those who practice it. This lens informs all of the work that Katie does. What is IFS?

Some of her other practices and interests include Integral Theory, Enneagram, MBTI, float therapy, yoga, meditation, the therapeutic use of psychedelics, compassionate anarchism, permaculture, cryptocurrencies and other decentralized and innovative technologies, ukulele, backpacking, and mycology.

What people are saying:

“There hasn’t been a week gone by without me having a significant revelation about my psyche.”

Michael

“The feedback has been terrifically positive Katie! I am so happy that we found you.  You are amazingly competent, joyous, and skilled at teaching adults. Thank you again!!”

Penny

“Thank you Katie, I have to say these sessions have been amazing, you have been amazing, so genuine. I can easily say that this is definitely adding to my growth as a human and as a spiritual being.”

Sib

“Thank you as usual for a wonderful session. The game we played with feelings and needs was SO rewarding. It helped me understand me better. I noticed everyone loved that feeling of being understood even if it wasn’t the exact need or feeling which shows just how important we humans need to be seen. Thank you!!!

Linda