Conflict resolution
Clinical Psychology Associates has developed a unique approach to resolving situations in which individual employees are in dispute or whole teams are in conflict.
Why is conflict resolution important?
Whether it involves particular individuals or entire teams, conflict is highly demoralising and causes significant stress, anxiety and depression, undermining the capacity of employees to function effectively at work. This has serious implications for companies in the form of disruption, reduced productivity and, in some cases, the unnecessary loss of skilled and experienced people, or even legal action.
How can we help your company?
Using our unique insight as clinical psychologists, we help employees to identify and address the underlying cognitive and emotional factors which, in reality, cause the negative attitudes and unhelpful behaviours that prolong conflict.
This is vital because in most disagreements it is not ‘personality clashes’ but thinking errors and the tendency of people to misinterpret the actions and intentions of others that drive anger, anxiety or depressed mood. These negative emotional states in turn motivate behavioural responses that further escalate the conflict, so establishing a damaging ‘vicious cycle’.
Understanding the process in this way enables us to resolve conflict through interventions that focus initially on replacing each individual’s negative thoughts and interpretations with more realistic appraisals, enhancing their problem solving skills, and providing them with positive strategies to enable them to cope effectively with any negative emotions.
This is subsequently reinforced by a session, held jointly with both individuals, which translates their newly-acquired skills and self-awareness into a renewed professional relationship that is based on mutual understanding.
Alternatively, in situations where entire teams are in conflict, the input received by each individual is consolidated through a professional development workshop. This interactive workshop explores the interpersonal dynamics within the group and implements a series of practical steps that facilitate the building of a positive team culture.
What outcomes have been demonstrated?
This unique approach to conflict resolution has consistently achieved positive outcomes in terms of improving the morale and emotional well-being of individuals and enhancing the functioning of teams, with the crucial overall effects of restoring productivity and minimising the loss of employees.