The nonviolent communication (NVC) approach, developed by Marshall Rosenberg, provides a systematic framework for communication that centers on distinguishing evaluative language from observational language, separating feelings from thoughts, and identifying underlying needs. For behavior analysts, whose discipline has a well-developed technology for precise behavioral observation and description, NVC offers a complementary framework that extends that precision to the relational and interpersonal dimensions of clinical and supervisory communication.
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Join Free →Since Taylor et al.'s (2018) call for compassion as well as the addition of "treat[ing] others with compassion" as one of the core foundational principles that behavior analysts use to interpret and apply the standards in the code (BACB, 2020), greater emphasis is being placed on fostering such practices. Further, in light of recent unrest within and outside of the applied behavior analysis (ABA) space, "compassion and "compassionate care" have become forces of both the social and natural sciences (Werntz et al., 2023). According to Taylor et al. (2018), engaging in compassionate services requires us to remove barriers and to relieve suffering for others. But how can this be done when we are engaging in uncomfortable conversations and disputes? While compassionate care is garnering much attention in the field, with an entire Special Issue in Behavior Analysis and Practice dedicated to its proliferation (Abdel-Jalil et al., 2023; Denegri et al., 2023; Rohrer et al., 2021; Reinecke et al., 2023; Tarbox et al., 2023), behavior analysts continue to struggle in professional discourse when perspectives differ. In an effort to resolve this conflict and foster our valued work toward providing compassionate care and interacting compassionately, a behavior-analytic account of the nonviolent communication (NVC) approach will be discussed. This presentation will discuss how adopting an NVC approach can be compassionate in a variety of relationships such as employer-staff, supervisor-supervisee, with colleagues, and on social media. Examples and non-examples of NVC and how using this approach can increase perspective-taking and facilitate connections. Challenges of using the NVC will be shared. Furthermore, the presentation will cover address how transforming judgment and blame into empathetic understanding allows solutions to be identified, thus meeting the needs of everyone involved (Rosenberg, 2003).
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Supervision |
| COA | 1 | — |
Celia Heyman is a doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D). She received her Ph.D in behavior analysis from Capella University. She earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University and master of arts from Rider University. Her research interests include addressing interfering behaviors, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Equivalence-Based Instruction (EBI), and Relational Frame Theory (RFT). Celia is a lead consultant at FTF Behavioral Consulting where she consults with schools and clinics on the implementation of the Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment. Celia is also a core faculty at Capella University’s graduate Applied Behavior Analysis program. Celia was a guest editor on the special issue covering compassion for the Behavior Analysis in Practice. Celia currently serves on the Development Committee of the B.F. Skinner Foundation and is the Student Activities Chairperson for the World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance. Pervading all her activities is a passion for disseminating more ethical, compassionate, and effective treatment based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. In her spare time, Celia enjoys championing and supporting aspiring behavior analysts and has culminated a Facebook community group (ABA Study Group), making up of over 58,000 members worldwide.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
256 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.