Conflicts are an inevitable aspect of the human experience, yet they often result in emotional pain, prolonged suffering and dysfunctional relationship dynamics. While many individuals aspire to mend these relationship ruptures and attain inner peace, conventional conflict resolution approaches may inadvertently exacerbate the situation.

The conventional conflict resolution paradigm treats conflicts as problems to be fixed, frequently overlooking their emotional dimensions and layers of different parts of us that play out in a conflict dynamic. In contrast, a transformation-oriented approach perceives conflicts as opportunities for personal growth, fostering trust, connection, and intimacy.

Transformation involves recognizing the intrinsic value in conflict and using it as a tool for self-discovery, thereby broadening one's worldview. Conflict transformation is an inner process that can be facilitated using the Internal Family Systems approach to bring about a real transformative shift in conflict dynamics. The following steps can support you through this transformative process:

1. Set an Intention to Repair the Relationship Rupture: Take a moment to ask all parts of yourself involved in the conflict to step aside. Allow your true Self to set a genuine intention to repair the relationship, rebuild trust, and reconnect with the person you had the conflict with. Express to the other person that your relationship is important to you. Let them know you are curious and open to learning more about how your parts contributed to the conflict.

2. Invite Each Other to Speak for Your Parts: Both sides should take turns noticing and sharing how each part within you has been affected by or reacted to the conflict. Maybe you have parts that feel hurt by what the other person did, parts that want to withdraw, or parts that want to avoid the situation completely. Perhaps you have parts that feel defensive, thinking, "It's not my fault; if you didn't make me do it, this wouldn't have happened." Some parts might try to find excuses or argue back, saying, "You don't get it. If only you could see it from my perspective." Or there might be a part that feels guilty, saying, "I'm a terrible person; you should never forgive me."

No matter which parts show up, notice them and speak on their behalf. Sometimes, you might identify so strongly with a part that you start speaking from it. If that happens, ask the part to give you some space so you can speak for it instead of from it. This will allow for a more genuine and compassionate mutual understanding.

3. Acknowledge All Parts with Curiosity and Compassion: Provide genuine understanding and acknowledgment for what each part has shared. This contrasts with the common experience of parts being silenced or their truths shunned. Maintain compassionate understanding for all involved parts, both within yourself and the other person. Holding the parts with compassion, without forcing them to change, is essential for their transformation.

4. Take Action: Ask each other about what your parts need now or in the future to stay safe and to heal. Share your regrets, listen to your parts and take actions aligned with their needs to ensure that the hurt and damage doesn't happen again.

Approaching conflicts with a transformation-oriented mindset and using the IFS approach opens up the potential for catalyzing personal growth, expanding worldviews, and elevating consciousness. This approach can guide you toward more intimate and profound relationship dynamics, enriching your life. Choose transformation over mere resolution for lasting positive change.

If you find it challenging to navigate this transformative process on your own, consider seeking additional support from an IFS therapist. An experienced therapist can guide you through the complexities of your inner systems, helping you achieve deeper understanding and healing in your relationships.

INVITATION FOR SELF-EXPLORATION

• Which parts of you tend be activated when you find yourself in conflict?

• What are their usual strategies of responding to the conflict situation?