What is Nonviolent Communication?
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) according to Marshall Rosenberg’s method helps you to connect empathically, both with yourself and with others. Think of a conversation with a loved one in which you feel frustrated and alone, or where you notice that you keep falling back into accusations or judgements. NVC teaches you to look beyond those judgements and discover what lies underneath: needs that we all share. Recognising these needs often creates more understanding and space to act from a place of freedom and connection, without there being winners or losers.
How can NVC help me?
Nonviolent Communication is valuable in all kinds of situations, such as:
- Personal development: learning to better listen to yourself and clarifying what you need.
- Challenges in family and friendships: getting through conflict without blame.
- Patterns in your relationship: preventing seemingly small irritations from escalating.
- Issues in the workplace: reducing stress and working together more effectively.
Where does Nonviolent Communication come from?
Nonviolent Communication was developed by Marshall Rosenberg (1934-2015). Throughout his life, the Jewish-American psychologist wondered: How is it possible that some people want to help others lovingly, while others derive satisfaction from violence? Following in the footsteps of Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and others who have been involved in nonviolence, he developed Nonviolent Communication. His ideas are used worldwide in organisations, governments, conflict areas, healthcare, education, and therapeutic settings to bring people closer to their needs and enable connected communication. His work is continued by the Centre for Nonviolent Communication and tens of thousands of NVC trainers worldwide. For more information, visit www.cnvc.org. For other NVC trainers in the Netherlands, see www.geweldlozecommunicatie.org.
Nonviolent Communication & stress
In my trainings, I integrate Nonviolent Communication with an empathic approach to stress. Stress is present in our society and within ourselves. It is connected to our thoughts, how we feel and how we behave. It works differently for everyone and, just like all our other feelings, has underlying needs that want to be seen. In my trainings, I teach you to recognise your own stress responses and understand the underlying needs they relate to. The result is more self-empathy, awareness, and therefore more freedom of choice in how you deal with your own stress and that of others. Based on the approach of Thera Balvers: www.therabalvers.nl.