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

Sponsored by the Idaho State Bar Dispute Resolution Section

Length Approx: 5.5 hrs

5.5 CLE credits of which 1.0 is Ethics

Cost: $150.00

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.

Agenda

Why People Fight: The Psychology of Conflict and Dispute Resolution

Understanding Human Behavior Under Stress: Trauma, Emotion, and Decision-Making

Difficult Clients, Protective Behaviors, and High-Conflict Personalities

Moving People Toward Resolution: Advanced Strategies, Ethics, and Professional Resilience

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.