Working with Clients in Conflict with Dr. Sam Hardy

Inviting lawyers, counsellors, HR professionals, mediators, coaches and others who work with people in conflict to take a fresh look at how neurodiversity, trauma and emotions shapes experiences of conflict and resolution.

* This training may be counted as CPD for your respective profession. Please consult with your relevant regulatory body to confirm.

Join us for one, or both days.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Day 1: Neurodiversity and Conflict

Most conflict resolution processes are built around neurotypical expectations about how people should communicate, express emotion, solve problems, or even recognise that a conflict exists. For neurodivergent people, these assumptions can create unnecessary barriers, misunderstandings, and escalations.

This full-day workshop invites lawyers, counsellors, HR professionals, mediators, coaches and others who work with people in conflict to take a fresh look at how neurodiversity shapes experiences of conflict and resolution.

Together, we will explore:

• What neurodiversity means in practice

• How “neurotypical norms” frame communication, emotions, social cues, problem-solving, and context in ways that may exclude neurodivergent people

• Neurodivergent perspectives on recognising, creating, and responding to conflict

• Practical strategies for clarifying expectations, knowing when to be flexible, and designing processes that are more inclusive

• Universal design approaches that benefit all parties, not just neurodivergent clients

• How to show up as an ally—whether you are neurotypical or neurodivergent yourself

Discover how different neurotypes experiences conflict and the ways in which standard conflict resolution processes can disadvantage neurodivergent participants. Explore practical strategies for making your practice more inclusive, with flexibilities founded on principles of universal design and co-design approaches. Gain insights into managing neurodiversity in your client base and written yourself as a practitioner. By the end of the day, you will leave with concrete tools to recognise hidden assumptions in your practice and more confidence to adapt processes so they work better for everyone.

Day 2: Emotions, Trauma and Conflict

Emotions and trauma sit at the heart of many conflict experiences. Yet they are also the aspects most often misunderstood or overlooked. This day explores the latest research on emotions, challenges common myths, and examines how emotional experience, expression, and regulation shape conflict dynamics. Particular attention is given to working with neurodivergent clients and with those who have experienced trauma.

Participants will develop practical skills to recognise and respond to emotions in conflict, understand triggers and the threat response, and apply trauma-informed principles in their practice. The program also invites reflection on the participants' own emotional responses and how these influence conflict resolution processes.

Together, we will explore:

• What are emotions? Popular culture myths and recent research developments

• How emotions and conflict influence one another

• Emotional experience, with special consideration for neurodiversity and trauma-informed practice

• Emotional expression and the challenges of interpretation across differences

• Emotional regulation, including strategies for supporting clients

• The practitioner’s emotions in conflict

• Why trauma matters for conflict work

• Understanding trauma: types, symptoms, and effects

• Triggers and the threat response

• Identifying trauma without pathologising clients

• Principles and application of trauma-informed practice in conflict resolution

Unpack the latest research on emotions, their myths, and their powerful role in conflict. Learn how to work with emotional experience, expression, and regulation including considerations for neurodiverse clients and clients who have experienced trauma. Develop the skills to recognise and respond to emotions in conflicts, understand triggers and the threat response, and apply trauma-informed principles to conflict resolution practice.

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Location: Central Coast, exact location TBC

Exchange: Single day: $65/ Both days: $110

*Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and refreshments included

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About your trainer

Dr Samantha Hardy is Director and Lead Trainer at the Conflict Management Academy, an award-winning mediator, conflict coach, and founder of the REAL Conflict Coaching System™. With a PhD in Law and Conflict Resolution, decades of practical experience, and an international training portfolio, Sam is renowned for her engaging, evidence-based approach. She also has lived experience of neurodivergence, being autistic herself, and having an autistic child.

TICKET SALES CLOSE FRIDAY OCTOBER 3.