.png)
About Sally
Peace Talks Co-founder
My Background
I have always had a strong desire for my life to contribute to individual and social transformation. I have expressed this in various ways over time: as a policy analyst, by studying clinical psychology, as an academic researcher and though involvement with a variety of community groups. I developed a deep love for Nonviolent Communication (NVC) after coming across an online recording of Marshall Rosenberg presenting an introductory workshop. I was fascinated by the simplicity of the model, how deeply it resonated with my understanding of how people worked, and the rapid changes that occurred in my life and relationships from beginning to practice NVC. Since this time I have emersed myself into an NVC learning journey which has transformed my life and energised my wish to share this way of being as a way to bring about powerful change in the world. I came to NVC from a background in Philosophy and Psychology, and have been learning, researching, writing and teaching about human relationships since 2007. I acquired a PhD in clinical neuropsychology in 2014 and am currently a candidate for certification as an Centre for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) certified trainer. I offer NVC based training, individual support and mediation in Ōtepoti/Dunedin (New Zealand) and online.
My Family
I'm a mother of three children (aged 9, 12 and 14) who bring much joy and light to my life. My children have been my greatest teachers about the nature of life and human relationships. Within our family, we have shared struggles with neurodiversity and mental health. Through my children's patient tuition, I am developing a wealth of experience on the day-to-day practicalities of living and breathing NVC in family life.
What I love about NVC
I see Nonviolent Communication (NVC) as a powerful approach for individual growth and for bringing about transformation within relationships. I am passionate about sharing NVC as a way to deepen our connection, compassion and empathy with those around us - particularly with children - so that we can truly hear the needs beneath their behaviour. I have found it to be one of the best and simplest methods for restoring harmony, creating real understanding and finding solutions that work during challenging times. I am also passionate about NVC as a tool for empowering ourselves within communities to change oppressive patterns and systems and effecting change in the world around us.
Contact me
I would LOVE to hear from you if you have any questions about me or about how I might be able to support you!
