What is NVR (Non-Violent Resistance)?

Originally practised by people like Ghandi and Rosa Parks in protesting peacefully against oppression, Non-Violent Resistance was adapted by Israeli psychologist Haim Omer over twenty years ago and is an evidence-based approach.

It is a simple and empowering method for families to relate with children of any age and to reduce or eradicate challenging behaviour. Lasting change can happen in just a few months for those who diligently apply the principles.

Research in Israel, Germany, Belgium and the UK, indicates that NVR with families of violent children with a variety of diagnoses has a high level of efficacy in reducing violence, parental helplessness and increasing positive interactions.

It is highly regarded in the UK with many family therapists, psychologists and other professionals providing it privately and through services such as the NHS CAMHS. (National Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.)

Often, parents or caregivers try to control, to avoid being controlled and a downward spiral ensues. Many children and young people resist being controlled and the result is escalation and angry outbursts. This can lead to parents feeling helpless, hopeless, manipulated, powerless, inadequate, frustrated and desperate.

Focus often starts with a de-escalation plan and assists parents in deferring their response and not engaging with the behaviour. This can be challenging for a parent who understandably steps in to stop things getting broken. 

Parents with such children are often so relieved to get their lovely child back after a meltdown that they fail to address the issue. or they avoid doing so in case it starts another meltdown. This never teaches the children that a/ it is never ok to hurt people, pets or things. b/it is their responsibility to put things right. c/ The parent is strong and able and willing to stand up for what is right. 

The aim of NVR is to re-establish parental presence in the child’s mind, rebuild and develop a co-operative, more harmonious relationship and for the balance of power to be addressed.

My Unique Programme “From Hostility-To-Harmony_Changing A Child’s Challenging Behaviour” is a blend of NVR combined with NLP, Solution Focused Therapy, Neuro-Developmental Therapy and Stress Management.

Research

Israel (Lavi-Levavi, Shachar, & Omer, 2013; Weinblatt & Omer, 2008)

Germany (Oleffs, von Schlippe, Omer, & Kritz, 2009)

England (Newman, Fagan, & Webb, 2014)

Belgium (van Holen, Vanderfaeillie, & Omer, 2015