As conflict resolution practitioners, most of us have found ourselves "stuck" or unable to move the resolution process forward. Julie Morelli will help practitioners to identify some techniques to use when they reach those stuck points.

Moving Through Conflict

Presented by Julia Morelli    

Conflict usually involves getting stuck - often on a position and in our thinking. It is impossible to address or resolve disputes effectively without change, and change requires movement. The question is, "how can we encourage movement"? In addition to affecting the mind, the effects of conflict often show up in the body. It may manifest as a gut feeling, a headache or other form of physical ailment. As much as practitioners want to believe that they are immune from the impact of someone else's conflict, it can affect all of us.

We will explore how to move through conflict in two ways. The first is to develop self-awareness and practice mind-body techniques such as yoga, meditation, qigong and guided imagery. The second is to discuss how we can promote movement before and during the mediation process. The conversation will include the following questions:  

• What can you do before mediation to facilitate movement?
• How do you know when the parties or you are "stuck"?
• How do you decide to make a change, and what change should you make (e.g. caucus, test reality, offer a chance to get up and stretch)?
• What can you do during the mediation to ward off the effects of conflict?

Mediators and conflict resolution practitioners must first learn how to take care of themselves so they can be more effective when working with others. Awareness and practice are the key to success.

Participants will:  

• Develop an understanding of the impact of conflict on themselves and the parties.
• Practice mind-body techniques they can use to prepare for mediation and use during the process.
• Increase their awareness of when and how to introduce change and movement.