01 - Somatic Skills for Conflict Resolution

This module will focus on developing physical skills that will enable conflict resolvers to
manage more effectively the physiological stresses of conflict experienced during conflict
interventions.

During conflict interventions, disputants often display aggressive, hostile behavior or
profound sadness that can evoke strong emotional and physiological responses not only
in each other, but also in the conflict resolver. While conflict resolvers are taught verbal
de-escalation skills designed to manage the emotional responses of the disputants, they
are not taught how to effectively manage their own physiological responses to the stress
and emotions they experience during these interventions.

Increased heart rate, excessive or shallow breathing, constriction of blood vessels and
major muscle groups and an inability to focus are common physiological responses to
stress. These responses drastically affect the performance of the conflict resolver. If the
conflict resolver is unable to manage their own emotions and stress, they will be unable
to effectively perform their duties. Furthermore, conflict resolvers must be able to project
and model the proper non-verbal body language necessary to instill confidence in their
abilities.