The NVC approach was developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg in the 1960s. The basic premise of NVC is that every action we take is an attempt to fulfill a need or value that we hold. When someone communicates in a way that contradicts our needs, that action can trigger negative emotions like anger and frustration. NVC helps individuals to identify their own needs, as well as the needs of others, and find solutions that meet everyone's needs.

The first step towards practicing NVC is to become more mindful of our own feelings and needs. We can begin by paying attention to the emotions we experience in different situations and identifying the underlying needs that drive those emotions. Once we have gained this awareness, the next step is to communicate our needs more explicitly to others. Rather than making accusations or attacking language, we can use "I" statements to express how we feel and what we need.

The second aspect of NVC is learning to listen to others with empathy. This means actively listening without judgment or interruption and trying to understand others' perspectives and needs. When we engage in empathetic listening, we can build stronger connections with others and generate trust. Empathetic listening can be challenging, especially when there is conflict or tension in a situation. However, with practice, we can learn to listen more deeply and with greater compassion.

The third component of NVC is finding solutions that meet everyone's needs. Rather than trying to win an argument or prove a point, we can focus on finding win-win solutions that meet all parties' needs. This requires creativity and a willingness to "think outside the box." Sometimes, it means compromising or finding a middle ground. Other times, it may require finding a completely new solution that satisfies both parties.