Handling a Conflict
Handling a Conflict
CONFLICT
DECIDING WHAT TO DO
The following two routines can be very useful for handling a conflict. They were designed for and used in highly charged environments, providing anger management in drug rehab facilities. They turned out to be very effective. You can use them too, for any kind of conflict situation.
Each of the routines can be considered a First-Aid routine. Like a band-aid it is a quick fix. Although some times, now and then, they can solve the whole problem.
Each can be considered a first step in problem solving. They are quick aids for making a choice in order to get the process working.
Often that is all a client needs, just to make a choice that can start actual movement toward a solution. We have had clients use these procedures on their own. They only take about five to fifteen minutes. (Not a lot of time wasted if they don’t work.) But, they work best with assistance from a friend or caregiver, mainly to keep them on track through to a useful decision.
The first routine is very easy! And very fast. It shouldn't take more than two or three minutes to begin moving toward a resolution. But, as you know, different solutions work for different people. If you can't make the first routine work, try the second one. The second will take more effort, but it will move your client much further through his decision making difficulties.