Many kinds of conflict can arise in the context of caregiving: conflict with oneself, siblings, children, the care recipient, support staff, and medical practitioners. It’s a normal and common part of relationships, but it still catches us off guard and leaves us frustrated and confused. This session draws on Marshall Rosenberg’s compassionate Nonviolent Communication process (2015), inviting participants to expand their perspectives and approaches to conflict. It involves practicing self-empathy, empathy towards others (even when we don’t feel like it), and honest assertiveness (even when it’s scary). We’ll explore ways to understand each other, work and grow together, even when we don’t agree. We’ll also look for strategies that better meet everyone’s needs.

Please bring a pen and paper to the webinar. Across the top of the page, summarize a low-level instance of caregiver conflict or frustration with someone else that you wish you’d handled differently, keep it to one sentence. This is for your own private practice. If there is time, the presenter may invite examples, but you do not have to share.

Marion Little, MA Dispute Resolution, BA Linguistics, CNVC Certified Trainer, manages Community Services and Training for the John Howard Society of Peterborough, including conflict resolution, violence prevention, and communication skills programs for adults & youth. Marion has taught undergraduate and graduate level courses in mediation and nonprofit management. She has also served as executive director for several social service agencies in BC.

Mieko Ise has been a caregiver to both her parents and in-laws for the past 10 years. It is Mieko’s intention to use her lived experiences to help other caregivers with their journeys and to be a catalyst for enhancing interactions between caregivers and healthcare professionals. Currently she is involved with the Ontario Caregiver Organization advising on the creation of new caregiver programs and services.