Non-violent resistance (NVR) training Brighton and Lewes

What is non-violent resistance training?

Non-violent resistance (NVR) has been developed in family work as an approach to address children’s self destructive and violent behaviour. It is based on the principles of change through peaceful protest and active resistance.  In the political context of social change this was the model adopted by Gandhi and Martin Luther King among others.

NVR therapy in family work is located in the present whilst looking toward the future in its ways of bringing about change. 

NVR focuses on dynamics within family relationships and NVR training seeks to support parents in the development of planned action to resist factors impacting on those relationships, for example, child-to-parent violence. Together parents and practitioners take a holistic approach, accounting for the needs of all the individuals within the family – working to identify barriers within relationships which stand in the way of being able to thrive as a family unit and seeking to find ways to overcome these barriers in order to build a more positive future.

What are the key areas focused on to bring about change using NVR training and therapy?

In order to help to bring about change the key areas of focus of NVR are:

• the development of a strong support network of support around the family
• developing skills of active de-escalation
• planned acts of resistance to aggression and controlling behaviours through the development of constructive and proactive strategies to manage behaviour
• enhancing relational gestures and impact of parental presence to strengthen and maintain emotional connection within the family
• ongoing focus on repair and rebuilding
• empowerment
• development of collaborative ways of working within the family and within the broader support network

Typically this work does not involve the direct engagement of the child.

NVR training offers an optimistic and positive approach that has been shown to be effective in bringing about enduring change.

This therapeutic approach is complementary to psychotherapeutic ways of working; where families are often co-referred alongside psychotherapeutic intervention for a child.

NVR therapy is available at our Hove and Lewes practices, as well online through our associate Georgie Leake who has extensive experience of working with children and adults with SEND and over fifteen years experience of teaching in both primary and secondary school settings, in particular supporting children with ASD and ADHD.

If you are unsure of the type of therapy you need, you can search for a therapist here.

When is NVR used?

Non-violent resistance training is used when parents or carers are struggling with difficult and destructive behaviours in their child. These could include:

• Aggression and violence (physical aggression, threats, etc.)
• Self-destructive behaviour (self-harm, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts)
• Controlling behaviour or verbal abuse
• Social withdrawal (isolating themselves from family and friends)
• Anxiety

This approach is to establish a warm, loving presence in order to build a positive relationship. Parents will learn de-escalating techniques when conflicts arise and will be able to manage their emotional responses at a time when emotions tend to run high.

Benefits of Non-Violent Resistance Training

NVR provides benefits not only for the parents to manage challenging behaviour and for the child to have a stronger sense of connection with their parents, but also for the entire family system.

For Parents and Caregivers

• Increased parental confidence – parents will gain a better sense of control and capability within the family as they learn to manage difficult behaviours and situations that arise.
• Reduced stress – NVR training helps parents to open up and break the silence around challenging behaviours, which can often be emotionally draining. This allows parents to build a support network and find people who may have experienced similar struggles.
• Increased presence as a parent – non-violent resistance training helps parents be more present in their roles as caregivers, as the training emphasises consistent, caring involvement, which can strengthen the parent-child relationship.
• Enhanced self-regulation – experiencing consistent challenging behaviours can bring up emotions like anger and frustration. NVR allows parents to learn to respond to these behaviours calmly.

For Children

• Improved relationships – an NVR approach can help rebuild trust and connection between parents and children, which can lead to a strengthened bond.
• Reduced harmful behaviours – non-violent resistant training can be effective in managing behaviours like violence, controlling actions, self-harm, and substance misuse when practised regularly.
• Greater safety and stability – NVR training helps to create a more consistent and supportive environment for children, which can help them feel a greater sense of stability and, therefore, safety.

For the Family System

• Stronger family dynamics – NVR training has the potential to transform family relationships by creating environments where empathy, connection, and mutual respect can grow.
• Positive shift in family patterns – non-violent resistance training helps families move away from destructive cycles and towards peaceful, constructive ways of interacting with each other.

Why Choose Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy

At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we have a team of exceptional, fully trained psychotherapists who work with children and parents to support change in family systems. Each session is tailored to each family’s individual needs and issues, and we pride ourselves on our flexibility. We are a top practice in the South of England with easily accessible practices in Brighton, Hove, and Lewes.