What to expect

Disputes can range from minor misunderstandings to complex, high-stakes disagreements. While many appear straightforward on the surface, they often involve deeper psychological processes that shape how people think, react and communicate. This program explores those processes and provides a clear, accessible framework for understanding behaviours that escalate or perpetuate conflict.

Drawing on current neuro-psychological research, you will learn how common patterns such as stone-walling, black-and-white thinking, demands for evidence, circular discussions and difficulties with perspective-taking can obstruct meaningful negotiation. Through practical examples, the program highlights why these behaviours occur and how they influence emotional arousal, rigidity and the overall resolution process.

You will also explore a range of theoretically informed interventions that can help reduce tension, build understanding and open the way for more constructive conversations. With a focus on actionable tools, the program supports you in applying these approaches to real dispute contexts, enhancing both confidence and capability.

Is this program for you

This program is ideal for anyone who works in dispute resolution or regularly encounters conflict as part of their role. It is also valuable for professionals seeking deeper insight into their own conflict responses and the behaviours of others.

What you will explore

By the end of this program, you should be able to:

Understand factors that contribute to fair and satisfactory dispute resolution
Describe key mental processes that influence conflict behaviour
Decode observable conflict behaviours using a practical framework
Apply indicated interventions designed to reduce arousal and improve understanding
Use practical skills that support more constructive negotiation pathways

Where this program can take you

During this program, you will explore:

The nature of disputes and what contributes to satisfactory resolution
An introduction to the mind in conflict and relevant research insights
Practical skills for decoding conflict behaviours
Theoretical foundations for targeted interventions
Practical tools for applying indicated interventions in real dispute contexts.

About the Facilitator

Dr Darren Moroney

B.Psych, PhD (Counselling Psychology)
Registered Psychologist • Academic • Nationally Accredited Mediator

Darren is a psychologist and mediator based in the Mediation Clinic at the University of Western Australia’s Law School, where he conducts dispute resolution processes across workplace, HR, family and Court-referred matters. He regularly facilitates mediations throughout Western Australia and Victoria.

With extensive experience in both practice and teaching, Darren is a lead trainer in UWA’s National Mediation Accreditation System (NMAS) program and has provided specialist training and consultation to organisations including the Corruption and Crime Commission, WA Police, Australian Federal Police, WA Children’s Court, State Administrative Tribunal, Aboriginal Mediation Service, DMIRS, WA Department of Education, AIFLAM and Anglicare WA.

As a psychologist, Darren works from a mentalising-based approach to support clients with relational and mental health challenges. As an academic, he has taught and conducted research across UWA’s Law School and Curtin University’s Psychology program, contributing to the development of evidence-informed dispute resolution practice.

Advanced Dispute Resolution

What to expect

What you will explore

Where this program can take you

About the Facilitator