Join us for an immersive introduction to St Ethelburga’s Conflict Coaching Model - a practical, compassionate approach for meeting conflict as an opportunity for learning and growth. When polarisation and strain are so often part of our daily lives, this training invites you to reframe conflict as a site of potential and offers participants a chance to deepen communication, restore relationships, and cultivate peace in the midst of complexity.
This interactive full-day session combines practical coaching exercises, small-group dialogue, and embodied learning. You’ll have opportunities to work in pairs, practise structured coaching conversations, and explore your own experiences of conflict in a supportive, confidential environment.
Through movement, reflection, and facilitated discussion, we will explore the many dimensions of conflict - within the self, between people, across communities, and in our relationship with Earth. You’ll be guided through St Ethelburga’s step-by-step coaching model and leave equipped with a framework you can apply immediately in your professional or personal context.
The day also includes time to connect with the sacred space of St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, whose history of destruction and renewal embodies the possibility of transformation. A short tour of the garden and nave will offer a living example of how crises can become turning points.
Conflict often feels like something to avoid or manage — yet when approached with courage and humility, it can become a site of transformation. Learning how to coach others through conflict not only supports relationships and teams, but also strengthens your own capacity to remain steady, curious, and kind under pressure.
You’ll leave this workshop with:
Our work at St Ethelburga’s sits at the intersection of climate and peace, rooted in the belief that there can be no peace on Earth unless we also make peace with Earth. We build resilience for times of ecological and social upheaval by equipping people with the tools and presence to navigate complexity together. Participants will explore how to hold space for others without seeking to “fix,” to listen for what is alive beneath the story, and to accompany others toward clarity and agency. Throughout the day, we’ll move fluidly between reflection, conversation, and practice.
The 7 step process of conflict coaching was very good, the facilitation was very open and encouraging. The group dynamic created was really welcoming and soothing, I felt comfortable from the beginning.
It treated something often very difficult with a lightness and gentleness. I enjoyed meeting the others even for such a short time. It was really helpful to be with a wide range of people, all wanting similar goals and to work closely together. The space is wonderful to be in!
Rebecca leads on our community reconciliation programmes: managing Journey of Hope with our Reconcilers Together partnership, and facilitating our Conflict Coaching, Facilitation Training, Listening Processes, and Peacemaking workshops. With over 20 years of experience in community based reconciliation, training, facilitation, activism and mentoring, Rebecca has a passion for curating spaces that encourage understanding and enable shared wisdom and for equipping and inspiring faith leaders to restore relationships. She holds accreditation in restorative justice, trauma informed practice, mediative facilitation, nonviolent communication and is currently studying Spiritual Direction. She moved from California to London in 2001 to study at the London School of Theology where she received her BA in Theology & Worship. Her past employers include Oasis Trust, XLP Youth Charity, and Tearfund. She lives in South London with her husband and twin daughters. rebecca.brierley@stethelburgas.org 07453287925