The HeArt of Connection

Play Your Way to Better Relating

Experiential Playshops that grow awareness and skills for communicating harmoniously, collaborating effectively, and strengthening resilience and wellbeing.

Are you experiencing in your working or living…

  • conversations or meetings that go in circles or that get avoided altogether

  • tension, miscommunication, or unspoken frustration

  • challenges making decisions together

  • uneven participation or lack of engagement

  • people feeling unheard or misunderstood

  • group work that feels harder than it should

  • burnout, disconnection, or low morale

What becomes possible through playshops

  • open, honest conversations that build trust

  • clear communication without blame or defensiveness

  • collaborative decision-making that includes everyone

  • stronger relationships and team cohesion

  • creative thinking and fresh perspectives

  • a culture of empathy, respect, and shared ownership

Why Playshops?

Humans learn and retain information best by playing, having fun, feeling good, being creative, curious and experimenting, when they’re outside their comfort zone, and when it’s relevant to their lives.

These sessions are:

• Experiential – learn by doing, not just listening
• Playful – curiosity and play unlock new ways of relating
• Practical – grounded in your real-life situations
• Embodied – integrating mind, body, and interaction

PLAYSHOP OPTIONS

  • NVC-inspired communication

    Learn to navigate conversations with honesty, clarity, and empathy.

    Participants practise:
    • expressing needs and perspectives clearly
    • listening without defensiveness
    • transforming conflict into understanding
    • finding outcomes that work for everyone

    Best for: communication challenges, conflict, feedback, relationships

  • Games & dynamics for cohesive teamwork

    Experience how groups can think, decide, and create together more effectively.

    Participants explore:
    • shared decision-making
    • group dynamics and participation
    • alignment and collective direction
    • collaboration that feels energising, not draining

    Best for: teams, projects, collaboration, leadership groups

  • Contact dance-inspired relating

    A gentle, accessible exploration of connection through movement and awareness.

    Participants develop:
    • body awareness and presence
    • trust and responsiveness
    • non-verbal communication
    • adaptability in interaction

    Best for: trust-building, awareness, team connection, wellbeing

  • Playback Theatre-inspired empathy

    Step into different perspectives through story and improvisation.

    Participants experience:
    • deep listening and being heard
    • seeing situations from new angles
    • empathy and emotional intelligence
    • shared understanding across differences

    Best for: empathy, culture, inclusion, team cohesion

Flexible Formats

• 1-hour taster – for events, conferences, introductions
• 2-hour Playshops – focused skill-building sessions
• Half-day / Full-day programmes – combine Playshops for deeper impact

✔ Mix and match sessions
✔ Suitable for existing teams or curated groups
✔ Adaptable for small to large groups

These Playshops are for:

  • teams and organisations

  • project groups and collaborations

  • leadership and development programmes

  • community groups and collectives

  • retreats and conferences

  • individuals wanting to improve how they relate and communicate

Investment

Pricing is designed to be accessible for community groups while reflecting the value offered to businesses and organisations.

Core Playshop Pricing (2-hour sessions)

Community & For-Purpose Groups
$250 per Playshop

Business & Government
$500 per Playshop
(typically organisations with 10+ employees)

What’s Included

• Facilitated, interactive Playshop(s)
• Tailored design to suit your group or context
• Materials and preparation

Additional Costs

• Venue hire (if required)
• Refreshments
• Travel beyond 20km round trip

Multi-Playshop Packages

Combine sessions for deeper impact and better value:

2 Playshops (Half Day)
→ 10% savings

3–4 Playshops (Full Day / Intensive)
→ greater discounted rates available

Custom programmes can be designed to suit your goals.

Venue & Logistics

You’re welcome to organise your own venue, or, venue sourcing and coordination can be arranged for an additional fee.

Accessibility

Sliding scale options are available for community groups where needed. Please get in touch to discuss what’s possible.

Bring a Playshop to Your Group

Whether you’re supporting a team, building a community, or developing your own skills.

Let’s design something that fits your context.

Book a call with Zola to discuss how to arrange one or more Playshops in your area

Book a Zoom call with Zola