"If you believe you have an open mind, nonviolent communication (NVC) not only will change your life, but it will alter your perspective on how you and those close to you live life…"

"Life can difficult enough, and not being able to communicate effectively with loved ones, co-workers, and even yourself only adds to negative stress or tension. I have found over the last 15 months that nonviolent communication is not only convenient, but it is effective for those who work at it.

My name is Lamont Hudson and I am a detention counselor at Jefferson County Detention Facility and typically have a caseload of 200 inmates. A day at the ‘office' can include several crises' intervention, screening an emotional individual in the booking process, and routine follow-ups with people to address any concerns they may have at that time.

In my line of work I have used the techniques of nonviolent communication to help clients understand what they are feeling emotionally during hardships in life. Moreover, why they might feel that way. The usefulness of NVC does not stop there. It can be an effective goal setting tool, and more importantly the use of NVC concepts have proven to be an effective suicide intervention tool.

That is only how NVC has helped me in my sometimes, challenging occupation. NVC has helped me truly understand my loved ones feelings, emotions. It has helped me realize what I am truly feeling when involved in a tense situ at ion with a loved one. NVC is also responsible for helping me become a better mediator in family discussions in my opinion, because I can successfully help everyone realize how one another is feeling on particular issues.

These are just a few of the positive possible outcomes for those of you who are interested in learning and practicing nonviolent communication. I have yet to experience anything negative from using NVC techniques. If one continues to work at it I believe NVC can enhance anyone's life."

Lamont Hudson, Detention Counselor - Jefferson County Detention Facility