Nonviolent Communication

Our work is deeply influenced by the concepts of Nonviolent Communication™ (NVC), which is sometimes referred to as ‘compassionate communication’. 

The Centre for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) explains on its website that:

‘[NVC’s] purpose is to strengthen our ability to inspire compassion from others and to respond compassionately to others and to ourselves. NVC guides us to reframe how we express ourselves and hear others by focusing our consciousness on what we are observing, feeling, needing, and requesting’.

‘While it is taught through the use of a concrete model, and is referred to as “a process of communication” or a “language of compassion,” Nonviolent Communication is more than a process or a language. As our cultural conditioning often leads our attention in directions unlikely to get us what we want, NVC serves as an ongoing reminder to focus our attention on places that have the potential to yield what we are seeking—a flow between ourselves and others based on a mutual giving from the heart’.

‘The use of NVC does not require that the persons with whom we are communicating be literate in NVC or even motivated to relate to us compassionately. If we stay with the principles of NVC, with the sole intention to give and receive compassionately, and do everything we can to let others know this is our only motive, they will join us in the process and eventually we will be able to respond compassionately to one another. While this may not happen quickly, it is our experience that compassion inevitably blossoms when we stay true to the principles and process of Nonviolent Communication’.

Whilst we at MasonLaporte have been using NVC in our professional and private lives for a number of years we are not certified NVC trainers.  If you would like to find a certified NVC trainer please see the CNVC website at www.cnvc.org