Nonviolent Communication

Nonviolent Communication (NVC), developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, is a compassionate communication framework that helps individuals express themselves authentically while fostering deeper connection and understanding with others. This approach teaches people to identify and articulate their observations, feelings, needs, and requests without blame, judgment, or criticism, transforming conflicts into opportunities for empathy and collaboration. NVC operates on the principle that all human actions are attempts to meet universal needs—such as safety, autonomy, connection, or meaning—and that conflicts arise when people use strategies that don't account for everyone's needs. By learning to distinguish observations from evaluations, connect feelings to underlying needs, and make clear requests rather than demands, clients develop skills to navigate difficult conversations, resolve relationship conflicts, set boundaries with compassion, and cultivate self-empathy. This modality is particularly effective for couples therapy, parent-child dynamics, workplace conflicts, and anyone seeking to communicate with greater clarity, authenticity, and emotional intelligence while reducing defensiveness and fostering mutual respect.