What is Nonviolent communication (NVC)?
NVC is a practical, learnable process that strengthens our ability to live compassionately. The training helps people to communicate with empathy, honesty, power and compassion. It offers a means of transforming judgements so as to develop mutual respect and understanding – even when the going gets tough!
How does NVC work?
Both when expressing ourselves and when listening with empathy to ourselves or others, NVC helps us to focus attention on a simple yet effective four step process for communicating. NVC tends to be effective because it seeks to address the needs of all involved. Importantly, it does not require the other person to know the process.
What are the benefits? NVC increases our ability to:
- Break patterns of thinking that lead to depression, anger, guilt and blame
- Build relationships based on compassion and understanding
- Make requests in a way that increases the likelihood of getting what we’re looking for
- Resolve conflicts in ways that increase trust and mutual understanding
- Hear others with empathy, even when they are expressing themselves in a hostile manner
- Offer feedback and evaluate performance in ways that promote learning and lessen resistance
- Celebrate what is going well and stand up for what is really important to you
Where did NVC originate?
NVC was developed by Marshall Rosenberg, international peacemaker and founder of the Centre for Nonviolent Communication. His book, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life has been translated into eight languages and can be ordered by your local bookshop. NVC books, CDs/DVDs are also available from www.life-resources-shop.com.
How is NVC taught?
NVC is taught at a range of levels and across a variety of topics. The Foundation Training provides an essential background to the fundamentals of the process. People with two or more days training can join Intermediate Trainings. These consolidate the learning of the Foundation and introduce new techniques and the means to apply NVC with increased fluency in areas of Depression, Empathy, Anger and Conflict.
