Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a form of communication which works on the belief that if individuals can recognise and express their personal needs, as well as those of others, then issues can be easily handled. NVC, developed by Marshall Rosenberg, Ph.D., is frequently used in couples counseling and assists individuals to handle and resolve differing opinions and needs in order to resolve a conflict. NVC emphasises the need for honesty, empathy and compassion while maintaining focus on reaching an agreement between those involved.
One core assumptions of this form of therapy is that humans are innately compassionate. During the quest to understand factors which influence humans innate compassionate Dr Rosenberg noted that language is one of the most important factors. Although it is human nature to be compassionate we have learned forms of behaviour or patterns of speech which are harmful to others. People have learned to judge, withdraw, be self-defensive or be on-guard against attack and these forms of behaviour are thought to have diverted humans from their innate state of compassion. Nonviolent Communication was designed to help individuals to identify and find mechanisms to handling negative tendencies in order to allow free and natural connects with people on deep, personal level.
