Conflict Management for One (CM-1) Training

What is Conflict Management for One?

Conflict Management for One (CM-1) is a specialist, single-session process developed by mediator and conflict innovator John Cleary. It gives you a clear structure for working one-to-one with someone in conflict so they can:

• Slow down and make sense of what is happening.
• Clarify their goals, values and options.
• Decide whether mediation, legal steps or other pathways are right for them.
• Plan realistic next steps, even if others will not participate.

CM-1 is not mediation. The practitioner who delivers CM-1 does not go on to mediate the same matter, preserving impartiality while still offering deep support.

Who is this training for?

This course is designed for practitioners already working with people in conflict, including:

• NMAS or AMDRAS accredited mediators.
• Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners.
• Workplace and community dispute resolution professionals.
• Senior HR, education and human services professionals with conflict experience.

It is ideal if you want a defined one-to-one conflict management service rather than ad hoc “support conversations.”

Course modules include:

• Introduction and Overview: purpose, scope and ethics of CM-1.
• The CM-1 Model and You: nine detailed case studies and how the process works in practice.
• Coaching Methodology and Conflict Theories: four key theories underpinning CM-1.
• The CM-1 Process in Practice: structuring the session and managing risk.
• Reflective Practice: supervision, peer support and ongoing refinement.
• Practical Tools: agenda proforma, referral templates, role plays and visual tools.

Skills you will strengthen:

• Guiding a focused 60–90 minute one-to-one CM-1 session.
• Helping clients think clearly when they are overwhelmed or stuck.
• Reframing and perspective-shifting in individual conversations.
• Supporting clients before, between or after mediation processes.
• Integrating CM-1 into your existing mediation and conflict services.

On completion, you will be recognised as a CM-1 Facilitator through Mediation Institute in collaboration with ConflictManagement.au.

For your clients

• Greater clarity about their conflict and available options.
• Support when others will not join mediation or formal processes.
• Stronger preparation for mediation, legal advice or workplace processes.
• A safe, structured one-to-one conversation when they need “one good conversation” most.

For your professional practice

• A clearly defined, billable service alongside mediation and FDR.
• An evidence-based framework instead of informal support chats.
• Visibility through the ConflictManagement.au referral platform as it grows.
• Ongoing community of practitioners focused on real-world conflict work.