Communicating effectively with a relative or loved one who has a mental illness is a common struggle for caregivers. This guidebook is an introduction to an approach called Nonviolent Communication (NVC); a set of communication strategies that allow you to develop a closer connection with your relative throughout his or her recovery. NVC creates mutually satisfying exchanges and heals interactions that may have caused you pain in the past. You will learn how to notice when you are using language in ways that are likely to trigger defensive reactions and how to choose language which allows your loved-one to hear and understand your words and your needs.