Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement among them. The disagreement may be personal, financial, political, or emotional. When a dispute arises, often the best course of action is negotiation to resolve the disagreement.

Things you should know about conflict:

If you are experiencing conflict in your life, please contact us right away, our therapists are here to help!

A conflict is more than just a disagreement.
- It is a situation in which one or both parties perceive a threat (whether or not the threat is real).
Conflicts continue to fester when ignored.
- Because conflicts involve perceived threats to our well-being and survival, they stay with us until we face and resolve them.

We respond to conflicts based on our perceptions of the situation, not necessarily to an objective review of the facts.
- Our perceptions are influenced by our life experiences, culture, values, and beliefs.
Conflicts trigger strong emotions.
- If you aren’t comfortable with your emotions or able to manage them in times of stress, you won’t be able to resolve conflict successfully.

Conflicts are an opportunity for growth.
- When you’re able to resolve conflict in a relationship, it builds trust. You can feel secure knowing your relationship can survive challenges and disagreements.

Conflict is a normal part of any healthy relationship. After all, two people can’t be expected to agree on everything, all the time. The key is not to fear or try to avoid conflict but to learn how to resolve it in a healthy way. When conflict is mismanaged, it can cause great harm to a relationship, but when handled in a respectful, positive way, conflict provides an opportunity to strengthen the bond between two people.

Types of Conflict Resolution

Conciliation

The act or process of reconciling the positions of individuals or groups whose interests and goals are, at least initially, in opposition or incompatible.
Bargaining

The process in which two parties attempt to resolve their conflicting interests by trading resources in return for some benefits.
Negotiation

A reciprocal communication process in which two or more parties to a dispute examine specific issues, explain their positions, and exchange offers and counteroffers in an attempt to identify a solution or outcome that is acceptable to all parties.
Constructive Conflict Resolution

The use of all collaborative, salutary methods, such as bargaining, negotiation, accommodation, and cooperation, to resolve interpersonal or intergroup disagreements.
Communication Styles

The four major communication styles —assertive, aggressive, passive, and passive-aggressive — are each characterized by specific language, behaviors, and effects. Being able to identify the major communication styles is likely be helpful in the process of recognizing the styles used in one's personal relationships, which can help an individual become better able to make the adjustments needed to facilitate the growth and development of all relationships.