If you find it difficult to navigate conflict in your relationship, you are not alone—every relationship experiences conflict at one point or another. My name is Scott, and much of my work has been dedicated to helping others understand and work through conflict. If you are seeking help with conflict in a relationship, you might be surprised to learn that the curriculum required to become licensed as a counselor or psychologist, even at the PhD level, has no required training in conflict. Of course, not all counselors need this type of training. At the same time, if you are seeking help with a relationship, I want you to be able to decide whether that type of training is important to you. After all, conflict is one of the most common complaints in relationships.

My journey with the subject of conflict began with my own life...

My Personal Journey

In 2007, before my professional work, I became passionate about the subject of conflict when dealing with my own personal challenges in that area. I became determined to better understand how to navigate conflict and improve my own relationships.

That journey began with my study of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), which focuses on empathy, human needs, and expressing oneself in a way that others are less likely to experience judgment. I began applying that to my own life, as well as helping individuals on a volunteer basis with conflicts in their personal lives. The joy I experienced helping people in that area led me to undergo the years of training required to become an NVC Certified Trainer (awaiting certification to be finalized).

Dedicating Myself to Better Understanding Conflict

Since 2010, I have been passionately helping people with relationship conflict as a sociological practitioner and conflict management professional. NVC continues to influence my approach to conflict, but my understanding and approach have broadened through my education. While completing my coursework for my sociology PhD, a year of my college education was devoted exclusively to managing conflict, earning me a separate certificate as a Conflict Management Specialist. Along the way, I have also completed nearly 800 clock hours of additional professional conflict training. And during the course of my education, I earned an additional master’s in psychology, which is the degree through which I am licensed to practice counseling.

Learning to “Undo” Conflict

Yet, sociology has had the most profound influence on my work with people, particularly in conflict. As one who identifies as a clinical sociologist and social behaviorist, I know that if you want to understand conflict, you cannot just look at individuals in isolation. One’s actions and the personal motivations behind them matter; at the same time, we are “social beings,” and our actions, and the reasons behind them, are responses to our understanding of the people and the world around us. If you want to “undo” conflict, you must “undo” the situation that created it, and you have to consider the circumstances and the people involved in the situation.

My Realization that Conflict is Never Individual

One of the things I love about sociology is that there is an understanding that beyond our personal circumstances, societal and cultural circumstances bear weight on us. What is “proper” in some relationships and families is always influenced by unspoken cultural ideas about them, including societal ideas about gender and sexuality. You can also find different racial and cultural influences regarding communication and how we “should” relate to one another. While some of these influences can be beneficial, they can sometimes contribute to conflict.

That’s My Story...

So, if you are having trouble with conflict in a relationship or just would like to better prepare your relationship for when it occurs, please do not hesitate to reach out. I would be honored to help you. Feel free to message me to ask a question, or you can schedule a free 30-minute phone or Zoom consultation.

About Socio-Logic

Socio-Logic’s office is designed to provide a comfortable atmosphere for people to sit and talk. The office is located in Lyndon Office Plaza, in the Lake Highlands area, about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Dallas. You can find out more about the location on Google Maps.

Commitment to Diversity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values for me and are at the foundation of my Socio-Logic practice. I recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, understanding that everyone's life experiences, identities, and perspectives enrich our shared human experience.

I am aware of the profound impact that systemic racism, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice have on members of historically marginalized communities. I understand that these injustices can significantly affect the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, and I am dedicated to addressing these critical issues within my practice.