Conflict Transformation
Conflict is part of being human.
It shows up in every relationship, every community, every workplace, every family. What matters is how we engage with it.
At Common Thread, we don’t think of conflict as something to “resolve” quickly or smooth over with spiritual-sounding language. We see it as an invitation—a sacred opportunity to uncover what’s underneath, to learn, to grow, and sometimes, to heal.
We approach conflict through the lens of our Self-Awareness Practice, learning to ask:
- What part of me is activated?
- What’s the deeper story or longing underneath my reaction?
- What do I really need here, and what am I afraid of?
This isn’t about fixing the other person or forcing reconciliation. It’s about brave, compassionate truth-telling—first with ourselves, and then, when the time is right, with one another.
With support and sacred boundaries, conflict can become a space where transformation happens.
When You’re Ready to Engage
If you’re navigating a conflict within our community—or in your life beyond—and you’d like support, we offer a facilitation process rooted in our shared practices of presence, listening, and accountability.
A trained facilitator will:
- Create a space of safety and consent for everyone involved.
- Help each person articulate what’s really going on underneath the surface.
- Support clear, kind communication – without rushing to resolution.
- Honor the dignity and humanity of each person, even in disagreement.
Start here:
Request Conflict Support →
We’ll reach out to learn more and walk with you from there.
Important to Know
Some conflicts are not yet ready for dialogue. And some should not be mediated at all.
If the situation involves:
- Power imbalances (e.g., someone in authority over another),
- Emotional, spiritual, or physical abuse,
- Ongoing patterns of manipulation or gaslighting,
- Trauma that hasn’t yet been tended to in a healing space,
…then our priority is safety, not resolution or transformation.
If you’re unsure whether to request support, reach out to us confidentially. We can help discern what kind of care or next step is right for you.
What to Expect in a Facilitated Conversation
Is this therapy?
No. It’s not therapy, and our facilitators are not mental health professionals. But they are trained to hold compassionate space, ask good questions, and support clarity and connection. It is drawn in part from Harville Hendrix’s Imago Therapy, a process designed for laypeople to engage without a trained therapist.
Will this fix the relationship?
What if the other person doesn’t want to participate?
Even if only one person engages the process, there can still be meaningful inner clarity and transformation. You don’t need both parties to begin the work.
How do I know I’m ready?
You don’t have to feel “ready.” You just need to feel willing to pause, reflect, and move with care. We’ll walk with you step by step.