NVR Therapeutic Programme (F2F)

Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) is an established therapeutic approach for parents and carers where a child or young person's behaviour has become difficult, concerning or unsafe. It can be particularly helpful for families experiencing child-to-parent violence and abuse (CPVA), physical or verbal aggression, threatening or intimidating behaviour, controlling behaviour and repeated cycles of family conflict.

Rather than focusing on trying to control or change the child directly, NVR supports parents and carers to develop different ways of responding. The approach aims to reduce escalation, strengthen parental presence, establish clearer boundaries and help parents and carers respond to concerning behaviour in a planned and consistent way, while maintaining and strengthening their relationship with their child.

This 10-session therapeutic programme is delivered face-to-face in a supportive group environment. Participants will learn practical NVR principles and strategies, reflect on patterns within their own family and consider how the approach can be applied to their individual circumstances. The group also provides an opportunity to learn alongside other parents and carers who may be experiencing similar difficulties.

Importantly, NVR does not rely on the child or young person attending the programme or agreeing to participate. The focus is on supporting parents and carers to make meaningful changes in the areas they can influence.

Who is the programme for?

The programme may be particularly helpful for parents and carers experiencing:

• Child-to-parent violence and abuse (CPVA)
• Physical or verbal aggression
• Threatening or intimidating behaviour
• Controlling or coercive patterns of behaviour within the home
• Frequent arguments and escalating family conflict
• Difficulties establishing or maintaining boundaries
• Destructive or risk-taking behaviour
• School refusal or significant difficulties engaging with education
• A sense that family life has become increasingly organised around avoiding conflict or preventing escalation

It may be particularly valuable where families feel they have tried a range of approaches but have become caught in repeated patterns of conflict, escalation or withdrawal.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, parents and carers will have had opportunities to:

• Develop an understanding of the principles of Non-Violent Resistance and how these can be applied within family life
• Recognise patterns of escalation and identify ways to respond differently
• Develop strategies for responding to aggression, threats, controlling behaviour and child-to-parent violence
• Understand and strengthen their parental presence
• Develop approaches to establishing and maintaining boundaries without escalating confrontation
• Develop planned and consistent responses to behaviours that cannot be accepted
• Identify ways to reduce unhelpful power struggles and increase positive interactions
• Explore strategies for maintaining and strengthening connection with their child
• Understand the importance of support networks within NVR and identify sources of support around their family
• Develop greater confidence and consistency in responding to difficult and concerning behaviour

Programme format

The programme consists of 10 three-hour sessions, providing 30 hours of therapeutic input. Sessions build upon one another, so participants should be able to commit to attending the full programme wherever possible.

The programme is delivered face-to-face in Stoke-on-Trent in a group environment and includes teaching, practical strategies, discussion and opportunities for participants to reflect on how NVR can be applied within their own family.