At the heart of our understanding-based conflict resolution training is the belief that those in conflict hold the keys to unlocking resolution by transforming emotions and opinions into sources of empathy, connection, and understanding.
Our approach is that parties can work together to find the best solution by understanding their own views, the other’s views and their practical reality. Woven into our training is transforming our emotions and opinions into sources of empathy, connection, and understanding as a means to bringing together parties in conflict. Our vision is that people in conflict will engage in authentic conversations that build understanding between them and our mission is to train professionals and community members in the skills and self-awareness needed to bring understanding to conflict-driven conversations.
In the United States and abroad, we have trained more than 10,000 nonprofit and corporate leaders, lawyers, law teachers, judges, human resources personnel, mental health providers and other professionals in this method.
We offer a diverse range of programming throughout the year, from our flagship 40-hour Working Creatively with Conflict conflict resolution and mediation to advanced specialized training events, a bi-annual teacher training cohort, monthly webinars, and more.
Our Inside Out: Self-Reflection for Conflict Professionals is for those who want to learn how to use self-reflection to help their clients by building an understanding of emotions, experiences, and biases that open them to empathy. Our Real Talk program, developed after years of difficult conversations about race, creates safe and effective spaces to dialogue about race and build relationships. Whether you’re looking for specialized topics to build on your mediation skills, want support from fellow practitioners, or seeking to start or expand your mediation practice, our advanced programs will help you grow your skills.
Our monthly webinar series provides practical insights and advice for conflict resolution professionals looking to continue developing their skills in bringing parties in conflict together. Our yearly membership program is for people who want ongoing support in the Understanding-Based Model and their conflict resolution work. Membership includes monthly webinars, discounts, and more.
Updates

Presenting the Center for Understanding in Conflict
In this episode of the American Bar Association's Section of Dispute Resolution podcast Resolutions, host Alex Green IV has a conversation with James Dykeman and Catherine Conner from the Center for Understanding in Conflict about the founding and the history of the...

Whispers in a Headwind: Making Space for Different Voices
Many people understand that when the boss is in the room, that person holds sway, at least in a workplace setting, with many other hierarchies to be aware of, formal and informal. Outside of apparent hierarchies in legal and professional spheres, a common assumption...

Ukrainian mediators work to bring understanding to conflict despite challenges faced by ongoing war
Ukrainian mediators work to bring understanding to conflict despite challenges faced by ongoing war Training program encourages looking within to find a way forward NEW YORK, Dec. 2022 - When Ukrainian mediator Tatyana Bilyk approached the Center for...
Upcoming Training Opportunities


Online
Your Next Steps: Launching Your Understanding-Based ADR Work
May 12 at 9:00 am - July 14 at 11:30 am PDTWorking Creatively with Conflict: 40 Hour Basic Mediation and Conflict Resolution Training (Online)
September 27 at 8:00 am - October 7 at 4:30 pm PDT
West Coast
Working Creatively with Conflict: 40 Hour Basic Mediation and Conflict Resolution Training (West Coast)
November 15 at 2:30 pm - November 19 at 12:15 pm PSTWorking Creatively with Conflict: 40 Hour Basic Mediation and Conflict Resolution Training (West Coast)
March 13, 2024 at 1:30 pm - March 17, 2024 at 1:30 pm PDTWorking Creatively with Conflict: 40 Hour Basic Mediation and Conflict Resolution Training (West Coast)
November 6, 2024 at 1:30 pm - November 10, 2024 at 1:30 pm PST
Webinars
Power Imbalance: Putting it all Together
June 12 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDTWhy We Don’t Tell People What to Do
July 11 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDTConflict Resolution Through Workplace Mediation
August 24 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDTCreative Uses of the Understanding-Based Model
October 30 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDTShifting Focus: All About Interests
November 27 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PST
