Conflict coaching
What it is
Conflict coaching offers confidential, impartial and constructive support for anyone who wants to change how they deal with conflict.​
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Disputes, misunderstandings and disagreements with others, and intractable inner conflict, can take a heavy toll on mental and physical health; on personal, work and social relationships; on creative progress and on economic stability.
Whether you are stuck in a major or minor dispute, have an inner dilemma over conflicting needs, or are uncomfortable with how you react to disagreement more generally, conflict coaching offers you a safe and confidential space in which you can fully explore what’s going on, and begin to change how you see it and deal with it.
How it works
What it involves
As your conflict coach I will listen without interruption; I will reflect back what I hear without interpretation, opinion or advice, and I will ask questions that help you explore your conflict in new ways. Through this approach you can gain fresh insights and consider solutions that are fully yours, as they arise from your own unique perspective and self-knowledge.
​“Just a Minute”
When you most need a sympathetic ear about a conflict you’re dealing with, the response you get can mimic what happens to contestants in the BBC Radio 4 panel game Just A Minute. In the game, contestants must try to speak on a given subject without hesitation, deviation or repetition, while fellow players repeatedly interrupt.
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Sometimes the response you get can also mimic the other meaning in the phrase “Just a minute”, which is to say: “hang on, I’m not listening – I’ll be with you in a bit." During a conflict coaching session, a conflict coach can give you their full attention as a listener and sounding board. Unlike in the game, you have the opportunity to speak for as long as you need and with as many hesitations, deviations and repetitions as it takes to fully explore what you want to discuss.​
Who it is for
Conflict coaching is for anyone who wishes to change how they deal with conflict.
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Conflict comes up in every aspect of our lives: at home, at work, in education, in the community, online and creatively. You might have a dispute with a supervisor or an employee; a teacher or a student; a friend, neighbour, family member, organisation or an unknown individual online. You might experience inner conflict over how to act in a challenging situation, or when there are competing demands or needs.
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All of these and many others are areas where conflict coaching can help.
Creative conflict coaching
Conflict coaching can be particularly useful for writers and other creative practitioners.
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You may experience inner conflict that impedes progress, whether it’s over your creative work or public engagement, or over the moral right to explore a certain subject or experience.
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You may want to change how you deal with rejection or negative reviews, or the challenges of self-promotion and use of social media.
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The business side of being a writer or artist can also lead to distressing disagreements, misunderstandings and disputes – for example with your agent or publisher or other industry professional; with the media or events organisers, or over others’ use of your work.
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Conflict coaching enables you to explore these and other conflicts, and can support you in changing how you see and deal with them.
Professional details
Conflict Coaching
CAOS
Fellow
Learned Society of Wales
Emeritus Professor
Swansea University
Accredited Mediator
Society of Mediators