Conflict Essentials

This course is designed for those seeking new approaches to conflict management in their workplace, relationships, family, and community. Those planning to become mediators, conflict coaches and facilitators should take this course as preparation.  Each session can be attended independently. Sessions will be recorded. Meetings will be by Zoom video conferencing. 

Any in person offerings will have Zoom option.

Instructor Sara Barnes and mediators from MV Mediation.

Conflict Essentials

10 hours – 10 sessions

10 hours
10 sessions		 Tuesdays
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1.0 hours		 09/16 - 11/18
 $400
Session One
September 16, 2025
  • What is conflict? What is culture?
  • How have I conceptualized conflict in my life?
    • Session Two
    September 23
  • Conflict matrix? Diversity and Conflict Modes.
  • What are the major patterns of conflict response?
    • Session Three
    September 30
  • Analyzing conflict. Creating an Equity Lens.
  • How can I think about conflict analytically?
    • Session Four
    October 7
  • Active and Inclusive Listening
  • What should I do to be a better listener?
    • Session Five
    October 14
  • Positions, Interests and Power
  • How do I search conflicts for the real issues?
    • Session Six
    October 21
  • Bias awareness and Self- Reflection
    • Session Seven
    October 28
  • Emotions & conflict
  • How are emotions & feelings related to conflict?
    • Session Eight
    November 4
  • Creating a Belonging Community
  • What to do to show I’m trying to understand?
    • Session Nine
    November 11
  • Advanced Topics
  • TBD
    • Session Ten
    November 18
  • Advanced Topics
  • TBD
    •

    • $50 for full participation for those who have previously participated in the following MV Mediation courses: Edgartown Library Conflict Resolvers, Workplace Conflict Cohort, Intro to Mediation, Conflict Coaching.

    • No charge for currently employed K-12 teachers.  PDPs available.

    • No charge for Youth Mediators or their families.

    • MA residents can request a reduced rate based on the MV Mediation scholarship and DEI program goals. If cost is a problem, please register.  MV Mediation will find a way to include you in this course.

    Testimonials

    “I was terrified when I came into the court. It seemed like the end of the world. Thanks to my compassionate and understanding mediators, I was able to have a productive conversation with someone I considered an adversary. I couldn’t believe we were able to work it out without going in front of a judge. Thank you MVMP.”

    – Small Claims Client

    “I was really not looking forward to mediation. But it turned turned out to be relatively pleasant. I really enjoyed working with the two of you. I plan to recommend mediation to others.”

    – Divorce Client

    “You brought us all together. It was awesome. I am so relieved. All our people felt uplifted, more united and part of a team. In particular one Board member said she felt she was taken care of with kindness and wisdom. We all know each other much better, have defined our work together and are in such better shape than we were when we started. Thank you MVMP.”

    – Facilitation Client

    “If you have the chance to do Conflict Coaching, DO IT! It was eye opening for me. My coach was kind, insightful and such a great listener. Most importantly, I learned so much about myself and about how I handle conflict. I now have a good, solid conflict management plan for the future.”

    – Conflict Coaching Client

    “It was valuable to help me handle a current conflict in my workplace. Putting a positive spin on conflict was an eye-opener for me. It gives me a structure to address problems. We had a very serious conflict at work recently so this is very important and relevant to me right now.”

    – Workplace Conflict Management Services