Pause Still

Understanding what lies beneath conflict, relationships and change‍ ‍

The Practice

A Different Way of Understanding Conflict:

A practice of inquiry grounded in a simple observation…Conflict is rarely where the story begins.

More often, conflict is the visible expression of underlying adaptive processes, emotional experience, beliefs and relational patterns that shape how we perceive ourselves, others and the world around us.

Many of these processes developed as intelligent adaptations to earlier experiences. They helped us maintain emotional, psychological and physical safety. Over time, however, what was once protective can become automatic, limiting our capacity to respond flexibly to the present.

Rather than asking, "How do we solve this conflict?" I ask, "What is this conflict revealing?" and “What is it trying to protect?” Conflict becomes meaningful information– an invitation to better understand the processes shaping our relationships, decisions and wellbeing.

As these processes become visible, awareness gives rise to discernment, and discernment expands choice. Better decisions become possible, not only in moments of conflict, but in our relationships, our work and the way we move through life.

Areas of Practice

  • Working one-to-one to explore personal and relational conflict, relationships, decision-making and meaningful change

  • Couples, family disputes, and family businesses

  • Leadership, teams and workplace conflict

Andrew MacDonald

Over 25 years of behavior and conflict experience in private practice, consulting and leadership roles has provided insight into the profound impact conflict has on individuals, families, employees, the workplace, and of course our broader lives. Through understanding conflict, its source, expression and the mind-body connection, we gain an invaluable window into ourselves and others, enabling transformation through conflict.

Credentials

  • Academic Foundations

    • Bachelor of Science, Physiology & Psychology

    Human Behaviour & Counselling

    • Graduate Certificate in Counselling Practice

    • Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution

    • Compassionate Inquiry® Professional Program

    • Compassionate Inquiry® Mentorship Program

    • Advanced Master Program in the Treatment of Trauma (NICABM)

    • Certificate in Internal Family Systems

    • Certificate in Somatic IFS

    • Certified in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

    • Certified in MBSR & MBCT

    • Mindfulness Coach

    Conflict Resolution & Mediation

    • Master of International Law

    • Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution

    • Graduate Certificate in ADR

    • Harvard Law School, Mediating Disputes

    • Nationally Accredited Mediator (AMDRAS)

    • Certified Workplace Mediator & Trainer

    Leadership & Organisations

    • MBA (Organisational Behaviour)

    • SHRM-SCP

  • Deloitte

    Booz Allen

    ServiceNow

    First Merchants Bank

    US Department of Justice

    US Department of Defence

    US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

    US Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General

    US Department of Veterans Affairs

    City of Fort Worth Police Department

    Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency

    And many other individuals and organizations across multiple countries and cultures

  • Keynote Speaker, Mediation Training Institute Annual Conflict Resolution Conference

    University of Sydney Law School, Developing Dispute Resolution Services

Support for individuals, families, family businesses and organizations from anywhere. For inquiries, pricing, scheduling or to book a no obligation consultation connect here

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