Foundations of Conflict Engagement

Lewis Deep Democracy

Lewis Deep Democracy is a facilitation toolkit rooted in Jungian psychological principles. It engages difference, tension, and conflict through embodied practices, without avoidance or exiling. If traditional democracy follows the majority vote, Lewis Deep Democracy invites us to go deeper by listening for the voices that are quieter, marginalized, or unspoken, and weaving their wisdom into the decision-making process, so that more of us can come along.

The Lewis method of Deep Democracy was developed in post-apartheid South Africa by psychologists Myrna & Greg Lewis and inspired by Arnold Mindell's Process Orientated Psychology.

Foundations of Conflict Engagement

Conflict is unavoidable and fundamentally a good thing. When we engage with it at an emotional level, it can become a doorway to wisdom. For many, conflict is uncomfortable, unpredictable, and disorienting. It can feel disorganized, even chaotic. Yet it is our most familiar form of chaos in the realm of human relationships, and chaos is deeply linked to transformation. How one views conflict is very important because it determines how one approaches engaging with it. 

This course will introduce you to a simple and profound approach to working with group dynamics, decision-making and conflict. These can be applied on your own (when navigating a difficult personal decision), in one-on-one conversations, and in groups. The three main course outcomes are:

A Lens for Understanding Group Dynamics

  • Accessible metaphors and frameworks for understanding the psychology of groups.

  • An understanding of how conflict emerges, tools for early detection, and strategies for preventing conflict escalation.

  • Insights into communication habits that derail groups, and powerful antidotes

Skills for Making Lasting Decisions

  • Tools for groups who get stuck trying to reach unanimity but don’t want to leave anyone behind.

  • A simple 4-step method for facilitating deeper conversations that don’t bypass emotional reality.

  • Decision-making that supports outcomes that people can trust and uphold

Tools for Engaging with Conflict

  • Awareness of the neurobiology of conflict with practical somatic tools to address issues directly without increasing the level of threat in the room.

  • Accessing the fruit of conflict and the wisdom that lies below the waterline.

Available in person and online, the course maintains the same depth, connection, and hands on practice in either format.

Open Enrollment

Upcoming Courses

Lewis Deep Democracy, level 1 - in person
May 4 & 5, 2026 from 9am - 4pm Pacific Time
Vancouver, BC (location: Creekside Community Centre)
INSTRUCTORS: Navida Nuraney & Aslam Bulbulia
Rate: $900 CAD (early bird $855 until April 5)
link to register

Lewis Deep Democracy, level 1 - in person
Sept 22 & 23, 2026 from 9am - 4pm Pacific Time
Vancouver, BC (location: TBD)
INSTRUCTORS: Navida Nuraney & Camille Dumond
Rate: $900 CAD
enrollment opens May 19, 2026

Lewis Deep Democracy, level 2 - online
Level 2 is for those who have completed Level 1 and want to practice the tools and skills in a supportive group setting. Participants take turns leading parts of each session, with coaching and support from the instructors. Each session consists of: a check-in, selecting a topic based on the check-in, a discussion using the 4 steps/meeting etiquette, and the debate to work with any polarities.
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 9:30 - 11:30am Pacific Time
INSTRUCTORS: Navida Nuraney & Camille Dumond
Rate: $700 CAD
link to register

Free Info Session on March 31, 2026

Want to get a taste of what Lewis Deep Democracy is all about?
Join our free info session online:

  • Meet the trainers Aslam and Navida

  • Learn the roots of the Lewis Deep Democracy method

  • Share your conflict style (from this poll)

  • Experience a mini teach from the course, The Resistance Line

  • Ask questions during an open Q&A about the May 4–5 in-person course in Vancouver

Register today for the info session on Mar 31, 2026, 12-1pm PT online

In-house for Organizations

Need the training shaped around your team’s schedule and issues? I can bring the course to you both in-person and online.

1:1 Coaching to apply the learning IRL

For those who have completed Level 1 and want support with integration. This coaching can focus on:

  • Finding steadier ground as you apply the tools personally or professionally

  • Preparing for difficult conversations or group dynamics you’re anticipating

  • Reviewing situations you’ve already navigated and exploring how to adjust next time

  • Noticing and working with what hooks your equanimity

Interested? Let's Connect

Listen to this podcast for a sneak peak of what the course dives into

In this episode, we introduce you to the Lewis Method of Deep Democracy. Tim, Camille, and Navida take the “Debate Tool” for a spin, exploring the polarity between “Just do the job” and “Bring your whole(ish) self to work.” Spoiler: You might agree with both!

Reflections from past participants

  • “I used to fear that making space for the no would let it take over. Then I learned that suppression only strengthens resistance. Now I know that engaging the no helps to process and release tension.”

  • “I love the debate practice of fully embodying one stance without worrying about also representing the other. Often times we try to do a performative nod to the other side in debates when the real intention is to discredit it. Love the freedom of being able to fully embody both then stepping back to see what integrated.”

  • “I used to think I didn’t have the skills to handle conflict. Then I learned how to notice resistance early. Now I know that addressing it sooner makes it easier and less draining to engage.”

  • “It was so great to experience how powerful the invitation to truly be with conflict is, and how seemingly simple the tools are for practicing and transforming our relationship with it.”

  • “I used to think the goal of conflict engagement was resolution. Then I learned the process of how to invite multiple perspectives and felt how it opened me. Now I know that deeper understanding is often the most valuable outcome.”

  • “I used to smooth over differences in meetings. Then I learned to hold space for the “no.” Now I know that the rough spots helps us see what needs our attention.”

  • “I used to think deep democracy was complicated. Then I learned the structure and steps that are quite straightforward. Now I know it’s practical and very doable to work with.”