Hi, I’m Chris.
I changed the way I parent—and you can too.
I discovered Nonviolent Communication (NVC) when my youngest was 13. At first, I dismissed it—I wasn’t violent, so I didn’t think it applied to me. But when I finally reached out for help, I realized: violence lives quietly in our language—in labels, demands, and silent judgments that pull us away from the people we love.
NVC gave me a new way to connect—with my daughter, my partner, and myself. I learned that behind every feeling is a need—and that when we listen for those, real connection begins. This shift didn’t just repair my relationships; it gave me a whole new way of seeing people.
Together with Leland, I co-authored a simple book that shares this core insight:
👉 We feel because we need.
It’s a message for all ages, with visual symbols that help kids (and adults!) understand what’s going on inside.
If you’re longing for connection, support, or a more peaceful way to relate to your kids—you’re not alone. I still practice empathy weekly with Capital NVC, and I’m happy to help you start a group of your own.
💛 Download the digital book for free along with reflection pages, feelings and needs charts, and playful tools for home or classroom use. www.linktr.ee/an.inside.story
"The first time I used the nonviolent consciousness during a high stress situation with my daughter, I realized the potential this has to transform relationships and create peace. It worked for me and my child and I want to share it with every parent! I wrote An Inside Story because I was frustrated that the simple concepts of NVC - which brought immediate relief to my relationship with my 13 year old daughter - were not widely known or taught. I spent years as a volunteer practicing this way of communicating in a middle school for girls. Showing compassion for what was happening in their hearts allowed the students to feel heard and seen and they could shift back to their roles in the classroom more quickly. I am confident that children learn and embrace these teachings more easily than adults who have been educated away from the simplicity of needs and have been confused into believing that blaming and fighting are just human nature." - Chris
Chris & Gina Simm with Buddies and Empathy Cards for Little Hands
"An Inside Story uses simple, accessible language and adorable art to call attention to the importance of what goes on inside us that we often hide. In an age of polarization it serves as a reminder of our human commonality despite our many differences."
Miki Kashtan,
Co-founder, Bay Area Nonviolent Communication
