ANTONIA ALLAN
Non Violent Resistance
Guiding Parents from Conflict to Connection
About Antonia
My path into Non Violent Resistance (NVR) began at home, not in a training room. As the parent of a neurodivergent teenager with challenging behaviour, I understand how exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming family life can sometimes feel. I also know how transformative it is to find the right support.
Before discovering NVR, I trained as a Transactional Analysis (TA) therapist at Physis in Edinburgh. Later, through my own parenting journey, I was introduced to NVR and went on to train with Partnership Projects, the UK’s leading organisation in this approach.
Today, I integrate my background in TA therapy with the NVR model to support parents who are struggling with conflict, aggression, or anxiety in their children. My focus is on helping parents reclaim calm authority, strengthen connection, and build resilience—whether you’re navigating power struggles, self-harm, withdrawal, or other challenging behaviours.
Alongside my NVR work, I occasionally offer low-cost therapy sessions through Wilfrid’s House, depending on availability and individual circumstances. If this could be helpful for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
About NVR
When parenting feels like a battle, I help you find calm strength and rebuild connection.
Many parents feel overwhelmed by aggressive or challenging behaviour at home. You may be exhausted by constant power struggles, shouting matches, or even worrying signs of self-harm and withdrawal. If traditional parenting strategies haven’t worked, you are not alone—and there is another way forward.
What is Non Violent Resistance (NVR)?
Non Violent Resistance (NVR) is a therapeutic parenting approach developed by psychologist Haim Omer in the late 1990s. Inspired by peaceful resistance movements led by figures like Martin Luther King and Gandhi, NVR helps parents break free from conflict cycles and guide their children with calm authority and connection.
Unlike traditional discipline methods that focus on controlling behaviour, NVR works to change the relationship between parent and child. It helps you step into your role as a calm, confident parent—without shouting, threats, or giving in.
When NVR can help
This approach can be especially effective if your child is:
Acting out with aggression, risk-taking, bullying, or violence at home
Struggling with anxiety, OCD, self-harm, withdrawal, or avoidance (common in neurodivergent children)
Caught in ongoing power struggles that leave you feeling helpless or burned out
Why parents choose NVR
NVR avoids the “winner vs. loser” battles of traditional discipline. Instead, it teaches a new kind of authority based on:
Calm persistence instead of escalation
Connection and presence instead of conflict
Support from your wider community instead of isolation
Parents who use NVR often feel more grounded, less reactive, and better equipped to handle even the most challenging behaviour.
Next steps
If parenting feels overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. I offer a free, no-obligation call to explore how NVR could support your family and help restore calm and connection at home.
Working With Me
How NVR Sessions Work
NVR is a parent-focused approach, which means I work directly with you rather than with your child. Together, we explore practical ways to reduce conflict, strengthen connection, and bring more calm into family life.
Each session lasts around 45 minutes and can be held either:
In person at my home, about an hour outside Edinburgh
Online via Google Meet, for your convenience
All sessions are completely confidential. I adhere to the highest ethical standards and professional codes of conduct, so you can feel safe and supported throughout the process.
Before beginning, I always offer a free initial phone call to see whether NVR feels like the right fit for your family. This conversation is relaxed, without pressure or obligation, and also provides space to discuss session costs.