Most people are reasonable and treat their therapist, family, friends and colleagues with respect and understanding. However, a small but significant number of people do not act like this. They may be your client, or the reason a client has come to therapy. Even worse they may be a colleague, family member or workmate. If you become the target of blame from one of these people, your life may be impact for years with legal, emotional, or complaint issues.
Interestingly, if someone is having difficulty with a high conflict difficult person, it makes sense to go a see a psychologist and they will teach assertiveness skills and boundaries. However, with some of these people it has no impact or assertiveness skill makes the situation worse as the difficult person does not care about how you feel or what consequence you want. Psychologist need to ensure that they understand how to help the clients differently and not to further entrench them in the situation. Therefore, when dealing with difficult high conflict people there needs to particular skills and strategies.
Will high conflict difficult people may have personality disorders, it is not the only reason. Therefore, this workshop is about identifying and understanding these people, whether it is personality disorder or some other cause.
Dr Phil’s workshop discusses some of the differences between reasonable and unreasonable people, explains the links of how unreasonable people are often the high conflict parties, and will teach you some ways to recognise and manage the unreasonable person.
Dr Phil Watts has been a clinical and forensic psychologist for over 30 years. He has published 6 books including Surviving the Witness Box, How to Find Love and Not a Psycho, and Shared Care or Divided Lives. He is a dynamic presenter with a focus on practical experience. He his engaging content and insightful practical experience he can keep a whole day workshop refreshing and interesting!
