Thinking Errors:

Thinking Errors are blockers to constructive communication.  Some popular thinking errors include: excuse making, blaming, justifying, minimizing, and mind reading.  These distortions are used while in conflict usually because persons feel the need to react defensively and in doing so make broad and negative generalizations about each other. These thoughts inadvertently transfer any responsibility away from the individual and onto others such as the legal system or other systems. Cognitive distortion, e.g. blaming others, blocks the ability to understand the needs and interests of others.  Students learn about the adverse effects of these distortions, and how to identify their own thinking errors.

 

Anger Management:

Anger like conflict, can be utilized as an opportunity to develop better understanding about individual needs.  Through an individual’s exploration about what triggers his/her anger, he can begin to acknowledge what needs are not being met.  When angry, an individual can seize the opportunity to ask him/herself what basic need is inspiring the anger. For an example, a statement such as “Why didn’t you call?” The need could be one of trust. Anger always plays a role in aggression.  Students are taught to identify their own underlying triggers and to develop coping strategies.

 

Social Skills:

Violence is a highly undesirable form of communication.  Students are taught how to have authentic dialogue without resorting to violence. Social Skills can be enhanced to express individual needs.  These skills can be facilitated through role-play, modeling and feedback while in conflict situations. Once these needs can be expressed, the skill to listening empathically can be developed.

 

Talking:

Students are taught that effective communication requires more than just expressing their own point of view—it also involves using respectful language, maintaining appropriate tone, and choosing the right time to speak. Talking in conflict situations should aim to clarify, not escalate. Students practice skills such as using “I” statements, staying focused on the issue at hand, and avoiding accusatory or inflammatory language. Through these exercises, students learn to communicate their needs while preserving the dignity of the other person.

 

Empathy:

Empathy plays an essential role in successful conflict resolution. Students learn that empathy can often be blocked by the urge to fix, educate, or share their own stories when what others truly need is to be heard with genuine interest and compassion. Practicing empathic listening allows for open communication, helps clarify misunderstandings, and encourages cooperative behavior. Students develop the ability to set aside their own agendas and focus fully on understanding the other person’s experience.