Understanding Human Behavior in Conflict: Psychology, Mediation, and Dispute Resolution

Sponsored by the Idaho State Bar Dispute Resolution Section

Friday, July 31, 2026

The Law Center

525 W. Jefferson St. – Boise

*Live Webcast Available

6.5 CLE credits

Registration:

Members of the Dispute Resolution Section                $125.00

General Registration                                                    $150.00

Take advantage of Section benefits and join the Dispute Resolution Section here.

Conflict is rarely about legal issues alone. Emotions, trauma, cognitive biases, personality dynamics, and decision-making under stress often drive behavior far more than facts or law. This interactive program explores the psychological foundations of conflict and dispute resolution, providing attorneys, mediators and other conflict resolution specialists with practical tools to better understand client behavior, manage high-conflict interactions, navigate difficult personalities, and move parties toward meaningful resolution. Drawing from forensic psychology, mediation practice, and legal experience, participants will gain actionable strategies that can be immediately applied in negotiations, mediations, and client counseling.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the psychological foundations of conflict and dispute behavior.
• Recognize how trauma, emotion, and stress affect decision-making.
• Identify and manage difficult client behaviors and high-conflict personalities.
• Apply advanced mediation and communication strategies to move parties toward resolution.
• Navigate ethical considerations and professional boundaries in high-conflict cases.
• Develop professional resilience and reduce burnout when working with challenging clients.

Seminar Agenda

Presenter

Fonda Jovick, J.D., M.A.

River’s Edge Mediation and Consulting Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Attorney, mediator, and forensic psychology professional specializing in conflict resolution, mediation, strategic planning, and high-conflict dispute management.