NVR is an approach that looks at relationships. It can be used by parents and adults in caring roles to resist violence, aggression, coercion and control. It is being used in families, schools and it is starting to be used in creative ways in healthcare settings.
It can transform what is either battle ground or a place or eggshells to a place of greater harmony based on more healthy relationships.
The approach is gentle but effective, for adoptive families, step families, kinship carers, birth families and children with disabilities – it can be used in any family! It is effective even if the child/ young person does not wish to engage.
It is based on the non-violent resistance practised by Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King to bring about change in a non-violent manner. It was developed into a relationship model by Professor Haim Omer, an Israeli psychologist, to help families strengthen their relationship and resist violent and harmful behaviours.
There are principles. It is not a manualised approach and the principles can be adapted to meet the needs of individual families and organisations.
The Pillars of NVR
Living in a family where a child is aggressive, controlling or coercive can be relentless and exhausting potentially leading to despair, hopelessness, frustration and anger. NVR can help.
It can be used alongside other therapies such as Theraplay, Dyadic Development Practice and parenting with PACE – playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy.
Preferred Future NVR is based near Durham.