An Introduction to Nonviolent Communication, for Use in Couples Therapy

The Nonviolent Communication (NVC) approach avoids rigid concepts, and instead looks to genuine connection and empathy as a powerful force for making life better. At the same time, NVC has clear explanations and a framework for how to understand the hidden and visible messages that are expressed in all human communications.

In this 2-hour continuing education webinar, David Alexander, LP will review the building blocks of NVC, including making a clear separation between observations and analysis. He will also describe how therapists can help their clients to identify the needs underlying feelings, and make effective requests to get one's needs met without shaming or blaming others. Awareness of these components of dialogue assists in improving connection with others, especially when discussing important or emotion-laden matters. For therapists, this knowledge applies to working with individuals in therapy, but comes up most often in working with couples. This training will address strategies therapists can use in couples therapy.

This introductory continuing education webinar is designed to help mental health professionals:

1. Describe the four building blocks of nonviolent communication (NVC) and their basis in empathy, to assist individual and couples clients in therapy be more successful in their communication and relationships.
2. When clients attack themselves, identify the hidden messages and needs that are the sources for the negative self-talk, and help clients apply self-empathy.
3. Explain alternative perceptions and alternative verbal expression to recommend for clients that will allow deeper connections for them, and that avoid shaming or blaming the other even when in difficult conversations.

Statement of accuracy, utility, and most common risks: Nonviolent Communication is generally considered safe for couples seeking better understanding of each other and themselves. One situation where it may not be the first step in couples therapy is when one partner is so attached to blaming and avoiding their own vulnerability that any vulnerability shown by their partner is used aggressively against that partner. This can prevent the therapeutic work from advancing, and in such a case it is recommended to pursue individual work with only the blaming partner, or with both individuals separately. When reduction of the blaming behaviors and their underlying causes is achieved, then couples work can be resumed. For most couples who are together but experiencing discomfort or friction or verbal fighting, or if boredom and impasse is the primary feeling in the relationship, the use of the clear empathy-based framework of NVC can help each partner to feel safer, and to start understanding and expressing their own needs and feelings as well as understanding the other person’s needs and feelings.

Declaration identifying any potential conflict of interest and/or commercial support: No conflict of interest indicated.

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact GoodTherapy here.

How the Web Conference Works

Before the scheduled event, all registered attendees will be sent a reminder email from GoodTherapy with specific instructions on how to log in to the webinar, as well as links to optional handout materials if applicable.

To attend the event, registered attendees will log in to the Microsoft Teams web conference center using a computer or device with internet access and/or call into the teleconference line on a phone. Attendees will be able to submit questions during the webinar via text chat in the Microsoft Teams web conference center and will be able to see the live streaming video and/or document sharing. 

At the conclusion of this event, participants will receive an email with information about how to request a CE certificate in your GoodTherapy Account. To confirm attendance, participants must enter the start code and end code announced at the beginning and end of the live presentation. Participants will also be prompted to complete an online survey evaluating the event. Participants will need to complete this online survey within six days after the event. Once completed, participants will be able to download a copy of their CE certificate right away by logging in to their GoodTherapy account.

For additional information about this event or our CE grievance procedures, please contact us here.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

2 CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org, provider #1352, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/30/2025 – 3/30/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 2 continuing education credits.

GoodTherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0395. GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can attend this live web conference for $30.95 or access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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