Another important communication skill is conflict resolution. Conflict is a normal and expected

part of any relationship; it stems from differences both big and small. Confrontation can be a

frightening experience, but rewarding if done right. It might be helpful to remember that the

needs of both parties are equally important and

deserve respect and consideration. We will begin by

exploring the different conflict styles that people

demonstrate, as identified by Kenneth Thomas and

Ralph Kilmann.

1. Competitive styles tend to take a firm stand

and know what they want. It can be useful when

a decision needs to be made quickly. However,

it can lead to people feeling hurt and resentful in

less urgent situations.

2. Collaborative styles tend towards attempting

to meet the needs of all people involved. These

people can be highly assertive, but cooperate

effectively and acknowledge that everyone is important. This style can be useful when you

need to bring together a variety of viewpoints to get the best solution.

3. Compromising styles try to find a solution that will at least partially satisfy everyone; and

everyone is expected to give something up. This style can be useful when equal strength

opponents are unable to agree or a deadline is approaching.

4. Accommodating styles indicate a willingness to meet the needs of others at the expense

of their own personal needs. This style can be useful when the issues matter more to the

other party, or when peace is more important. Overall, however, this approach is not likely

to give the best outcomes.

5. Avoiding styles attempt to evade the conflict entirely. This style can be appropriate when

the conflict is trivial or someone else is in a better position to solve the problem. However,

in most situations this is an ineffective approach to take.

More information about these conflict styles can be found at: http://web.mit.edu/collaboration/mainsite/modules/module1/1.11.5.html

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Communication

Conflict Resolution

1

Monthly Recipe 3

Youth Corner 4

Family Corner 4

W H I T E B E H A V I O R A L

C O N S U L T A N T S , P . C .

3 8 4 0 P A C K A R D

S U I T E 2 0 0 B

A N N A R B O R , M I 4 8 1 0 8

( 7 3 4 ) 9 9 5 - 6 7 5 5 M A Y 2 0 1 4 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5

Welcome to "Another Piece" White Behavioral Consultants' newsletter. WBC has been a premier

provider of behavioral modification services for clients with traumatic brain injuries for 11 years. WBC is committed to the entire support system of the client. This newsletter is a part of that commitment to give back to the clients, families, case managers, and other community members who have helped us get

where we are today. Our sessions with clients are confidential, but there are many general tips and tools that we use which we would like to share with our readers. Our newsletter will provide a format to share these strategies, which are simple to use and may be applied to a variety of everyday situations.

Continued on page 2

Communication...Conflict Resolution

P A G E 2

A N O T H E R P I E C E

Communication...Conflict Resolution (Continued from page 1)

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whitebehavioralconsultants

Conflict Resolution . . . Which style would you use?

Most of the conflict styles identified in the Thomas/Kilmann model can be important in

different situations. A helpful phrase to remember while building up your conflict resolution

skills might be “pick your battles”. We have provided some example conflicts below. Take

some time to think about the different scenarios and identify which conflict style might be

most appropriate in each

situation.

1. Two employees work closely together in the same department. Mike

is a new employee who is quiet and values following company rules.

John has worked at the company for a long time, is very vocal and likes

to do things the way they have always been done. Employees are

supposed to clock in at their own buildings within five minutes of their

shift, but there isn’t any way to check this. Mike consistently follows

this rule and is at his workstation when expected. John always clocks

in at another building so he won’t be marked as tardy, and gets to his

workstation at least 10 minutes late. At least a couple of times each

week, somebody asks Mike where John is and Mike feels

uncomfortable with lying for John.

2. Samantha receives 24-hour care in her home. Rebecca is one of the home health aides

that provide services. Rebecca is very kind and attentive to Samantha’s

needs. She ensures that medications are given on time, encourages

Samantha’s involvement in tasks and transports Samantha when needed.

Samantha finds it hard to tolerate Rebecca’s presence because of her age.

Samantha has expressed that Rebecca reminds her of her mother and

they do not have a very good relationship. So when Rebecca comes to

the house, Samantha is very withdrawn, retreats to her bedroom and only

engages when absolutely necessary.

If you are interested in learning more about which conflict style you are, speak with your

behavioral therapist. June’s newsletter will explore more specific communication skills for use

with conflict resolution, and will provide sample dialogue for resolving the above conflicts.

Tips Before Starting

Monthly Recipe

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5

Shopping List

□ Cider Vinegar

□ Canola Oil

□ 1 can finely chopped Chipotle Chile in Adobo Sauce (found in the Mexican Food section)

□ Salt

□ 1 bag shredded Red Cabbage

□ 1 medium carrot

□ 1 15 oz. can white beans

□ 1 ripe avocado

□ 1 bag shredded Cheddar Cheese

□ 1 bag 8-10” whole wheat tortillas

We've provided a shopping list, which can be cut out and taken with you to the store. Be

sure to look at home for ingredients you already have. Check off each ingredient as you

gather it.

We've also provided a list of needed cooking utensils. You may already have these items at

home, but check and make sure before you go to the store.

Place this recipe and tip list in an easy to see location before starting.

Gather all the required cooking utensils and ingredients and place them in easy reach

before starting.

We've put checkboxes next to each step. Put a check mark in the box

immediately after completing each step.

Creamy Avocado & White Bean

Wrap!

Yummy

and easy

to do!!

Instructions

Prep time: 25 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients

□ 2 Tablespoons Cider Vinegar □ 1 Tablespoon Canola Oil □ 2 teaspoons finely chopped canned Chipotle Chile in Adobo Sauce □ ¼ teaspoon salt □ 2 cups shredded red cabbage □ 1 medium carrot, shredded □ ¼ cup chopped, fresh cilantro □ 1 15-oz. can white beans, rinsed □ 1 ripe avocado □ ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese □ 4 8-10” whole wheat tortillas

□ Using Tablespoon, measure 2 Tablespoons Cider

Vinegar into medium mixing bowl

□ Using Tablespoon, measure 1 Tablespoon Canola Oil

into medium mixing bowl

□ Using teaspoon, measure 2 teaspoons Chipotle Chile

in Adobo Sauce into medium mixing bowl

□ Using ¼ teaspoon, measure ¼ teaspoon Salt into medium mixing bowl

□ Using whisk, mix together ingredients in the medium mixing bowl

□ Using measuring cup, measure 2 cups shredded red cabbage into the medium

mixing bowl with the sauce

□ Using sink, rinse the medium carrot

□ Using shredder, shred 1 medium carrot into the medium mixing bowl

□ Using knife and cutting board, chop fresh cilantro

□ Measure ¼ cup of fresh cilantro into the medium mixing bowl with sauce and

vegetables

□ Using fork, mix ingredients in the mixing bowl until combined

□ Using can opener, open can of white beans

□ Over the sink, pour white beans into the strainer and rinse with water

□ Pour white beans into the other medium mixing bowl

□ Using knife, cut avocado in half and remove

the pit using a fork

□ Scoop avocado out into the bowl with the white beans

□ Using a fork (or potato masher), mash white beans and

avocado

□ Using measuring cup, measure ½ cup shredded

cheddar cheese into the white beans and avocado mix

and stir to combine

□ To assemble wraps. . .

Place tortilla onto a plate

Using ½ cup, scoop out white bean-avocado mix

and spread on wrap

Using 2/3 cup, scoop out cabbage-carrot mix and

spread on top of beans

Roll up wrap, cut in half to serve

Cooking Utensil List

□ 2 medium mixing bowls □ Whisk □ Cutting Board □ Knife □ Serving Bowl □ Shredder □ Measuring Cups & Spoons □ Spatula

□ Sink □ Strainer □ Can Opener □ Plates □ Small Bowl

3840 Packard, Suite 200B

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108

Phone: 734-995-6755

Fax: 734-557-3995

E-mail: changinglives@whitebehavioral.com

May activity ideas in the general Detroit area:

We’re on the Web!

www.whitebehavioral.com

Family Corner

Youth Corner

As we approach the end of another school year, students are likely

preparing for final exams and tests. This can often lead to increased stress, and possibly feelings of anxiety or depression. Here are some strategies that can help you prepare for increased testing, as well

as combat feelings of anxiety and depression.

1. Stay current with homework assignments. a. Seek further advice from the teacher to improve

your understanding.

2. Build your “toolbox” of study skills.

a. These might include: i. Making flash cards ii. Taking notes iii. Creating a rhyme or song to improve memory

3. If you have an IEP, review accommodations for ones that might be helpful.

a. Speak with your teacher so they know the accommodations you plan

to use. 4. Join a study group.

a. This can help to learn new study skills, as well as build a support

group. 5. Utilize any extra support from the teacher.

a. This might include getting notes, study guides, or an after school study session.

6. Seek extra support as needed. a. If a topic is particularly challenging, seek support from a teacher,

parent, or tutor.

7. The night before tests, be sure to get a good night of sleep. 8. The morning of the test, eat a well-balanced breakfast.

Library card holders are eligible for free or discounted museum admissions through the Michigan Activity Pass. See the website for further information. https://www.eventkeeper.com/prmaps/code/index.cfm?mn=628322

April 7th-September 14th—Kids Bowl Free Classic Lanes

2145 Avon Industrial Dr., Rochester Hills; (248) 852-9100 Children 15 and younger can bowl 2 games/day for free Family pass available for 4 adults to join the bowling

one-time fee of $24.95

March 13th to May 29th; Thursdays @ 6pm-8pm Cirque Amongus Open Workshop

Children can be active and learn circus skills Reservations recommended $6; 9:30 am to 11 am $5 per person per hour; 734-525-4335; in Livonia

www.cirqueamongus.com

May 10th, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm—Project Healthy Living Northland Mall

21500 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI; (313) 531-9108

Free Health Screenings, education, and information for a healthier lifestyle (contact: Beverly Johnson)

May 14th, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm—Project Healthy Living Access Community Center

6450 Maple Ave., Dearborn, MI

What do you think about our

newsletter? Has the information been helpful? What do you like the most? The least? Is there a

specific topic you would like us to touch upon?

We welcome your comments. Please visit our website at www.whitebehavioral.com, click on the “Our Newsletter” tab, and leave your feedback.

“If you would like to subscribe to our

newsletter please call or e-mail our main.”

Spring has SPRUNG! Check out the following website for some nature areas

to explore in the Detroit area: http://detroit.about.com/od/peoplelifestyles/a/

Public_Gardens.htm