What is Nonviolent Communication (NVC)?

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication model and a discipline of awareness developed by the clinical psychologist Prof. Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. The model has four steps — observation, feeling, need, request — and lets people connect on a ground of empathy and honesty.

Where can NVC training be found in Turkey?

In Turkey, training is available from CNVC Certified Trainers and trainer candidates affiliated with the Nonviolent Communication Association of Turkey. For more, visit www.siddetsiziletisim.com.

How long does it take to learn NVC, and how?

The foundations of NVC can usually be learned in a 12-hour workshop. To build the skills, joining a year-long programme is recommended. If you want to go deeper and let your level of awareness show in how you communicate, the intermediate and advanced trainings Gonca Fide offers are worth taking.

Any adult who wants to strengthen their relationships — at home, at work, at school, in their private life — can join an NVC training.

Is NVC only about spoken language?

No. It covers spoken, written and non-verbal communication alike.

CNVC (Center for Nonviolent Communication) is a non-profit international peace organisation formed by those who share Nonviolent Communication around the world. It helps people resolve conflict peacefully and effectively in personal, organisational and political settings. More at siddetsiziletisim.com.

What is a CNVC Certified Trainer?

It is the title held by those who have met the requirements set out in the Certification Preparation Packet (CPP) of CNVC’s Trainer Services, and who have been recommended to CNVC as a trainer by an Assessor.

Nonviolent Communication

What is Nonviolent Communication?

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a philosophy of communication and of living, developed by the clinical psychologist Prof. Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. It puts empathy, honesty and an awareness of needs at the centre, strengthening the connection between people while transforming conflict.

Four steps: observation, feeling, need, request

The NVC model separates communication into four steps. Each offers a frame both for understanding our own inner world and for meeting others with empathy.

Observation

What happened?

Observation describes concretely what happened in the moment, in place of evaluation, interpretation or judgment.

Example: Evaluation: "You are lazy, you leave everything to the last minute." → Observation: "I noticed you studied the night before each of your last three exams."

Feeling

What am I feeling?

We say what we feel in connection with that observation. Not thoughts or interpretations — only feelings: sad, afraid, happy, tired…

Example: "…I feel worried."

Need

Which need is alive in me?

Our feelings are messengers of needs, met or unmet. Needs are universal: connection, respect, autonomy, safety, contribution…

Example: "…I need to know you are giving yourself enough time to learn what you need to pass."

Request

What am I asking for?

We ask for a concrete, positive, present-moment action that would enrich our lives. A request is not a demand; it rests on mutual willingness.

Example: "…Could we talk about this now?"

What is Nonviolent Communication good for?

On the surface NVC can look like a "communication technique", but at heart it is a far deeper philosophy of living. It draws on the understanding of nonviolence held by Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. NVC is an awareness discipline practised actively in more than 50 countries.

NVC brings change in these areas:

Personal relationships: deeper connection between partners, family members and friends
Parenting: communicating with children from empathy rather than authority
Working life: transforming conflict in teams, leadership, negotiation
Education: strengthening the relationship between student and teacher
Mediation: NVC-based negotiation and reconciliation
The inner voice: a kinder, more honest relationship with yourself

Who can learn Nonviolent Communication?

NVC is for everyone. No prior knowledge or experience is needed.

Parents

Educators

Managers & leaders

Therapists & coaches

Mediators

Everyone

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nonviolent Communication (NVC)?: Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication model and a discipline of awareness developed by the clinical psychologist Prof. Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. The model has four steps — observation, feeling, need, request — and lets people connect on a ground of empathy and honesty.
Where can NVC training be found in Turkey?: In Turkey, training is available from CNVC Certified Trainers and trainer candidates affiliated with the Nonviolent Communication Association of Turkey. For more, visit www.siddetsiziletisim.com.
How long does it take to learn NVC, and how?: The foundations of NVC can usually be learned in a 12-hour workshop. To build the skills, joining a year-long programme is recommended. If you want to go deeper and let your level of awareness show in how you communicate, the intermediate and advanced trainings Gonca Fide offers are worth taking.
Who is NVC for?: Any adult who wants to strengthen their relationships — at home, at work, at school, in their private life — can join an NVC training.
Is NVC only about spoken language?: No. It covers spoken, written and non-verbal communication alike.
What is CNVC?: CNVC (Center for Nonviolent Communication) is a non-profit international peace organisation formed by those who share Nonviolent Communication around the world. It helps people resolve conflict peacefully and effectively in personal, organisational and political settings. More at siddetsiziletisim.com.
What is a CNVC Certified Trainer?: It is the title held by those who have met the requirements set out in the Certification Preparation Packet (CPP) of CNVC’s Trainer Services, and who have been recommended to CNVC as a trainer by an Assessor.

Going further

Resources

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Learn NVC in practice, not in theory. The Attunement into Now introductory programme is built for that.

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