The Conflict Resolution Essentials course is designed for those seeking new approaches to workplace, relationship, family, community and professional conflicts.  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. 

The instructors are Sara Barnes and mediators from MV Mediation. The class is comprised of 10 sessions for a total of 15 hours. 

Session 1, Feb. 8: What is conflict and how have I conceptualized conflict in my life? Session Two, Feb. 15: Conflict matrix. What are the major patterns of conflict response? Session Three, Feb. 22: Analyzing conflict. How can I think about conflict analytically? Session Four, March 7: Positions and interests. How do I search conflicts for the real issues? Session Five, March 14: Active listening and what should I do to be a better listener? Session Six, March 21: Emotions and conflict: How are emotions and feelings related to conflict? Session Seven, March 28: looping and reframing. What to do to show I’m trying to understand? Session Eight, April 4: Managing toxicity: what does research say about toxic polarization? Session Nine, April 11 and Session Ten, April 25: advanced conflict resolution topics.

Cost: $200-$400 (sliding scale based on ability to pay). $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. If cost is a problem, please register.  MV Mediation will find a way to include you in this course.