As a therapist deeply invested in the practice of Haim Omer’s Nonviolent Resistance (NVR), I’ve come to appreciate the transformative power of self-announcements. Omer’s approach, which is rooted in principles of nonviolence and presence, emphasizes the importance of clear communication and assertiveness in therapeutic settings, particularly in family therapy (Omer, 2004).
Self-announcements, within the framework of NVR, are not just statements; they are a powerful tool for change. These are clear, assertive declarations made by parents or caregivers about their intentions, values, and actions. Unlike demands or ultimatums directed at the child, they are affirmations of the parent’s stance and commitment to certain values or actions (Omer & Streit, 2011). This approach shifts the focus from controlling the child’s behaviour to asserting what the parent will do or what they will not tolerate, effectively setting boundaries while maintaining respect and empathy.
In my practice, I’ve observed how self-announcements help reduce escalations in family conflicts. They empower parents to take a stand for their values non-confrontationally, especially effective in situations where traditional behaviour management strategies are ineffective (Omer, 2011). For instance, saying, “I will not allow myself to be spoken to disrespectfully,” instead of demanding the child to stop being disrespectful, can profoundly impact family dynamics.
Though specific recent studies from Context Family Therapy Magazine or journal articles are not readily accessible, the principles of NVR and the role of self-announcements have been widely discussed in psychological and therapeutic contexts. These approaches align with broader themes in family therapy, advocating for clear communication, nonviolent conflict resolution, and empowerment within family systems (Omer, 2004; Omer & Streit, 2011).
In conclusion, self-announcements in Haim Omer’s Nonviolent Resistance framework offer a respectful and effective way of engaging with challenging behaviour’s in family therapy. They highlight the power of clear, assertive, and nonviolent communication in fostering change and harmony within family dynamics.
References:
Omer, H. (2004). Nonviolent Resistance: A New Approach to Violent and Self-destructive Children. Cambridge University Press.
Omer, H., & Streit, U. (2011). Non-Violent Resistance: A Treatment for Parents of Children with Acute Behavior Problems. European Journal of Psychiatry, 25(1), 16-23.