Nonviolent Communication (NVC): A Better Way to Connect

By Aaron Collins, LMFT | Owner of Akua Family Therapy

Hi, my name is Aaron Collins, LMFT, and I am the owner of Akua Family Therapy on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

This year, I’ve been diving deeper into the work of Marshall Rosenberg, founder of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). While I don’t personally align with every idea he presents, I deeply appreciate his compassionate framework for improving how we relate, speak, and listen.

Many of my clients are experiencing powerful "lightbulb moments" as they learn to communicate with less criticism, confusion, and frustration—and with more empathy, clarity, and connection. I believe NVC is a valuable tool not just in therapy, but in every relationship—whether family, marriage, workplace, or faith community.

🎯 What is Nonviolent Communication?

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a 4-part communication model developed by Marshall Rosenberg. It helps people speak honestly without blame, and listen deeply without reacting defensively. NVC centers around four components:

1. Observation – What happened (without judgment)?
   
   

2. Feeling – How do I feel about it?
   
   

3. Need – What universal human need is alive in me?
   
   

4. Request – What would I like to ask for?
   
   

Rather than focusing on what’s wrong with others, NVC invites us to focus on what’s alive in each of us—and how we can meet our needs in ways that honor everyone involved.

🎥 Watch Marshall Rosenberg Explain NVC

Want to see NVC in action? Watch these YouTube clips of Marshall Rosenberg teaching this powerful approach:

• ▶️ Marshall Rosenberg Full Workshop Session on NVC

• ▶️ Marshall Rosenberg Workshop: This Thing Called 'Love'
  
  

These are not my original materials, and full credit goes to Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, creator of Nonviolent Communication. Akua Family Therapy is simply sharing these educational links as a resource.

📄 Download the NVC Handout (PDF)

For a quick reference, feel free to download the AFT NVC Handouts PDF (PDF created by Akua Family Therapy based on Rosenberg’s original model – includes definitions, feelings list, needs list, and a simple practice template).

Disclaimer: These ideas and frameworks originate from Marshall Rosenberg and the Center for Nonviolent Communication. The content shared here is intended for educational use and does not represent original therapeutic theories developed by Aaron Collins or Akua Family Therapy.

🤝 Start the Conversation

If you're interested in learning more about how NVC can transform your relationships, reach out! Whether through individual sessions, couples counseling, or faith-based communication coaching, we're here to support your growth.

📞 Call or Text: 808-646-3150
🌐 Website: www.akuafamilytherapy.net
📸 Instagram: @akua_family_therapy