Center for Understanding in Conflict

Are you the person others turn to when they are in conflict?
Whether you mediate disputes professionally or want to improve how you support meaningful conversations – in families, workplaces, or communities – this immersive, in-person training will provide you with the essential skills, structure, and confidence to navigate conflict with greater clarity and connection.

What You’ll Learn
Grounded in the Understanding-Based model from Challenging Conflict, this training focuses on:

Positive Neutrality – supporting all parties without taking sides
The Loop of Understanding – building empathy and connection through active listening
Creative Options – crafting solutions that meet deeper needs and interests
A Foundation for the Future – enabling lasting, self-determined agreements

Who Should Attend?
This training is designed for anyone whose personal or professional life involves guiding others through conflict, whether formally or informally. Our participants consistently report that this program reshapes not only how they approach conflict, but how they understand communication, decision-making, and relationship dynamics. Here’s how this training applies to different professional roles:

Mediators and Conflict Resolution Professionals: Whether you are newly exploring mediation or seeking to deepen your practice, this training offers a hands-on approach that moves beyond traditional tools and techniques. You will learn how to facilitate conversations where parties truly understand each other – often for the first time – and co-create durable, meaningful resolutions.
Lawyers, Collaborative Professionals, and Ombuds: For legal professionals, , this model shifts the focus from advocacy and positioning to understanding and informed choice. You will learn how to support clients in engaging constructively with conflict while still addressing legal realities – without relying on control, pressure, or adversarial dynamics.
Human Resources Leaders, Managers, and Nonprofit Staff: If you are responsible for managing people, teams, or organizational culture, this training provides a vital toolkit for navigating interpersonal tension, staff grievances, and sensitive conversations. The Understanding-Based model helps you foster clarity, empathy, and accountability – leading to more resilient teams and healthier workplace dynamics.
Executive Coaches, Consultants, and Educators: When your work centers on growth, transformation, and leadership, conflict is often just beneath the surface. This training equips you with a new lens and skill set for working with clients or groups who are stuck in disagreement, misalignment, or tension. You will be better prepared to support breakthroughs – whether in strategic planning, coaching conversations, or facilitation work.
Anyone Seeking a More Meaningful Way to Work with Conflict!
You do not need to be a professional mediator to benefit from this training. If you are the person people come to when there is tension – in your family, workplace, or community – or if you want to better understand and navigate conflict in your own life, this training offers a practical, compassionate framework that will change how you listen, speak, and relate to others.

Program Format
This in-person training features a mix of short presentations, live demonstrations, and small group role plays in full-length practice mediations. You’ll have the chance to practice in a safe, supportive environment with real-time feedback and coaching from experienced trainers.

Schedule Overview
Wednesday, Mar 4: Check-in is 1:45 – 2:15 pm; training begins 2:30 pm and runs until 9:00 pm
Thursday – Friday, Mar 5 – 6: Full-day sessions, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (with ample breaks)
Saturday, Mar 7: 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Sunday, Mar 8: 9:00 am-12:15 pm
Note: Lodging check-in may not be available until 3:00pm Wednesday.

Venue
Green Gulch Farm Zen Center in Muir Beach, CA, is a tranquil retreat space nestled among coastal hills. Accommodations are simple and beautiful, with Japanese-inspired guest rooms and shared bathrooms. Three nourishing vegetarian meals per day are provided, along with snacks, coffee, and tea. WIFI is available, but cell service is limited.