Nonviolent Communication

Most of us have been taught to communicate passively, critically, or manipulatively––and that’s so normal to us that we don’t even realize we’re doing it. That is, until we find ourselves feeling powerless to get our needs met, repeating the same conflicts with those we love, and feeling alone or trapped in our relationships. The nonviolent framework provides a systematic approach by teaching us to be present to our own needs, feelings, and requests without blaming others or internalizing shame.

NVC is the practice of making an observation, expressing a feeling, then a need and making a request. Using NVC takes the charge out of communication which can be so painful and threatening to the survival of the relationship. It allows people to take ownership of their experience and not direct their feelings towards others, which usually only escalates conflict and leads to breakdowns. Utilizing NVC makes hearing one another much easier by staying calm & cool.

I have found nonviolent communication to be extremely helpful in clearer and more accurate expression. Additionally, the use of nonviolent communication bypasses many of the standard miscommunications and perceived offenses of standard conversation, facilitating information flow without argument. Interestingly, the use of nonviolent communication may also make the speaker appear more charismatic and persuasive.

NVC is the practice of making an observation, expressing a feeling, then a need and making a request. Using NVC takes the charge out of communication which can be so painful and threatening to the survival of the relationship. It allows people to take ownership of their experience and not direct their feelings towards others, which usually only escalates conflict and leads to breakdowns. Utilizing NVC makes hearing one another much easier by staying calm & cool.

Do you want to resolve conflicts - with yourself and others - in ways that honor your deepest needs? Do you want solutions that work for you and also meet the needs of others? Nonviolent Communication is about how to make that happen. It's about creating the kind of relationship that helps to meet, or at least honor, everyone's needs. It doesn't always get us what we want, but it greatly increases the chances of truly satisfying our underlying needs.

NVC is foundational to the work I do with clients. I encourage my clients to communicate with themselves and with others from a place of empathy, understanding and openness/flexibility, all while asserting and holding personal boundaries.

Learning to identify, express, and share our feelings and needs can change both how we relate to ourselves and to others. When we don't know how we are feeling, how can someone comfort or reassure us? Together we find a way for you to not only know what you feel and need but also to trust in yourself enough to ask for it from your family, partner, and the world.

I am trained in NVC for use with children, teens and adults

Nonviolent Communication is the reason I became a therapist and the foundation of my work. I have completed several intensive trainings in NVC both in-person and online.

Non-violent communication provides a helpful framework for understanding the interplay of feelings and needs, and for improving communication around those needs.

Specific training in this area.

I've completed multiple year-long trainings in NVC. I love helping people explore this modality and learn to integrate it into their lives.

I believe the way we communicate is very important. The words we choose and how we say them NVC is a way to express our needs and ask for what we want without blaming or accusing the other person. Learning to express our needs in a way that others can hear and receive and maybe even understand and acknowledge their own needs can make relationships flow much better.

I utilize non-violent communication with many of my couples to help them communicate in an effective and non-judgemental way. Using non-blaming language helps us to truly hear what our partner is saying and is a great way to find understanding. I have been trained in non-violent communication work through my work at Life Coaching and Therapy and this model has helped many of my couples find relief.