NVC Practice

Inspiring Supervision: A Path to Deepening NVC Practice

The blog was created the members of the supervision weave Gina Lawrie, Luli Harvey, Tracy Seed, Jo McHale and Shona Cameron

The Supervision Weave came together with a shared mission: to uphold the integrity of NVC consciousness in themselves and throughout the NVC network. Even with decades of experience, they recognized that every facilitator, no matter how seasoned, can face moments of being stuck. Anticipating future challenges, they realised the immense value of discussing these with trusted colleagues.

The Supervision Weave was born from a commitment to supporting all practitioners applying NVC whether coaching, mediating, consulting in organisations, offering training or sharing in their family. Their aim is to normalise supervision as an essential resource for growth, while fostering collaboration and ‘power with’—moving away from traditional, hierarchical ideas of supervision.

Through careful reflection, they developed a supervision structure that ensures each session is a meaningful opportunity for connection, growth, and action.

Creating a Supervision Model that Works: The CLEAR Model

  1. Check-In + Contract: The session starts with a brief outline of what will unfold. A personal check-in helps the supervisor understand any factors affecting the supervisee, building trust and human connection.
  2. Listening: The supervisee shares their challenges while the supervisor listens attentively.
  3. Exploration: This is the heart of the session, where both supervisor and supervisee explore the issues together, encouraging insight and understanding.
  4. Action: The supervisee identifies what they’ve learned and what steps they will take moving forward.
  5. Review: A few minutes are set aside at the end for reflecting on the session’s impact and learning.

How Supervision Supports Trainers

Over the past two years, a number of NVC facilitators who offer coaching, mediation, consultancy within organisations and training  have engaged in one-on-one supervision sessions with members of the Supervision Weave. Here’s what some of them had to say when asked: How does supervision support your wellbeing and your work?

“When we meet for supervision, I love that there is no agenda. My time is holy—a space where I can bring up anything alive in me with someone I deeply trust. I receive empathy and guidance aligned with the spirit of NVC. It keeps me aligned, frees up inner space, and provides inspiration when I’m stuck. I feel blessed and grateful, experiencing supervision as both support and self-care.”
Stella Koukougianni, CT

“I appreciate how supervision stretches and supports me in my work. It gives me space to explore what truly matters, celebrate successes, and make grounded plans. It’s invaluable for my wellbeing, and enhances my capacity to show up fully.”
Barry Jones, CT

“Supervision gives me the space to explore anything that arises and trust that my words will be received with care. It meets my needs for being seen, understood, and valued. Although I often bring work-related issues, my personal life inevitably influences these conversations. Supervision transforms uncertainty into clear next steps. I cherish the wisdom of experienced NVC elders in this role, and I can’t imagine ever stopping!”
Beth, CT

“Supervision offers me a safe space to reflect deeply on situations where other forms of support fall short. I get time and space for processing, deep empathy, and feedback that helps me spot patterns and improve my skills. Supervision helps me get back on track when I veer off course, restoring my NVC practice.”
Sandrine Miesch, CT

“Supervision has helped me stay connected to the bigger picture of my needs when offering NVC, while also supporting the practicalities of planning and delivering training.”
Kate, NVC Facilitator, London

“My supervision supports my wellbeing, as it is uninterrupted time for me.  It is a regular space where I can connect with myself; with my feelings and needs and explore them with a trusted other.  It’s a space where I can be honest and not be judged – but actually find empathy and appreciation.  It’s a space of refreshment.

It is a time where I choose what would be most helpful to talk through.

It is a time of celebration and of challenge.  It is a time of reflection that is not rushed. It is a time where I gain a deeper understanding of myself and my past – starting or continuing a period of growth. It is a time of learning and revelation.

I think that is why supervision is transformational, as it supports my wellbeing and my work.  The focus is me and my client work together.  And to bring ‘me’ is to develop my self-awareness and the awareness of the impact on my clients and how I can support them in the way they need it, without bringing my stuff into their journey — Mel, Coach using NVC in her practice, UK

Why Supervision Matters

This structured approach to supervision, grounded in empathy and shared learning, helps trainers deepen their skills and stay aligned with the essence of NVC consciousness.

We encourage all NVC facilitators to engage in regular reflective practice with a fellow practitioner or a trained supervisor. Supervision offers a confidential, safe space to explore any aspect of your work—whether it’s a challenge, a celebration, or an area for growth. It’s not just about reflecting on the past, but also preparing for future work that may trigger old wounds or fears. Supervision provides space for harvesting learning, mourning, and celebration, and helps facilitate growth by allowing you to speak freely and hear yourself reflect aloud.

We believe this process is essential to maintaining the collective practice of NVC, supporting skill development, broadening perspectives, and encouraging ongoing learning. Supervision ensures that our practice remains true to the ethos and principles of NVC.

Ways to Engage in Supervision

  • Peer supervision: structured, fair, timed, and evaluated
  • Individual supervision with a qualified NVC supervisor (paid or unpaid)
  • Group supervision with a qualified NVC supervisor
  • Skills practise with a peer group

All of these approaches provide the opportunity to reflect on how we facilitate, handle critical incidents, review our work, and identify further training needs, with NVC as our guiding model. Supervision is a vital part of nurturing both personal and professional growth in the NVC community.

How do you reflect on your practice?

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