From Chaos to Creativity: Facilitating Play in High Conflict Couples

Working with couples who have high levels of active conflict can feel like an unwinnable game. When every conversation is a new opportunity for aggression or escalation, the therapy office can feel more like a sparring ring than a healing space. If not addressed, these dynamics stop therapy. How do we change the rules of the game to create an atmosphere that feels more open and collaborative? Maybe even FUN? This interactive workshop will explore creative opportunities to change the tone of therapy work, pivoting the focus from tension and negativity to kindness and play. In this session, you will explore, 

• Opportunities to harness the energy of conflict into passion for play 
• Real case studies showcasing successful outcomes for a few common high conflict presentations, such as hostility, unsportsmanlike competition, passive aggression, stonewalling, couples who take revenge, and couples who turn on the therapist.  
• Techniques to help couples to express and negotiate their needs in conflict, foster a sense of collaboration, and establish an atmosphere of shared vulnerability and empathy.