What is Nonviolent Communication / NVC?

Nonviolent Communication (also known as “Authentic Communication” or “Appreciative Communication”) was developed by psychologist Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg more than fifty years ago and is now used in over seventy countries. The basic literature on the subject has been translated into over thirty languages and sold millions of copies. There are numerous NVC schools and educational initiatives around the world. NVC is the basis for New Work and New Leadership in companies.

With NVC, you can:

• effectively express what you feel and what you need
• understand what is really going on inside you and put it into words
• recognize your old patterns and transform them
• release inner blockages and access your power
• transform conflicts into deep, appreciative exchanges
• make your relationships fulfilling and harmonious
• create closeness and connection through your communication

NVC is a very effective communication method and way of life that helps you express your feelings and needs in a way that resolves and avoids conflicts. In doing so, you learn to express yourself authentically and responsibly. NVC promotes connection to yourself and other people and creates closeness, intimacy, and relaxation. It helps you listen more attentively and give your counterpart appreciative attention.

NVC is based on the following assumptions:

• When our needs are met, we are happy; when they are not, we suffer.
• Every action serves to fulfill a need.
• Every form of violence is a tragic expression of unmet needs.
• People instinctively enjoy helping others as long as they can do so voluntarily.
• Communication and nurturing relationships only work when there is true empathy.

The emergence of conflicts depends primarily on our ability to communicate. The better we learn to communicate our needs, observations, and inner lives to others without blame or judgment, the more relaxed we can be in our relationships. Nonviolent communication can thus help you improve your quality of life.