Helping our patients to resolve conflict

We see conflict all the time. In our patients’ lives and also in our own.

If there are connection, meaningful relationships, there will be conflict. It’s inevitable. I don’t love conflict, but I do accept them, and try not to run away from them.

In order to truly understand the other person, we really have to see things through their lens, and not really our own. Understand their values, the way they think, how they process information and take action.

But it’s close to impossible to do that with absolute accuracy isn’t it?

So what’s the solution?

To have unconditional positive regard for another. Be kind. Be compassionate. Listen to understand. Be acknowledging. Have good intent. Be assertive. That will help resolve conflict rather than the “fight or flight”.