Foundations of Conflict Engagement

Lewis Deep Democracy - Level 1

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. Deep Democracy is one among a family of psycho-social approaches to facilitation, particularly useful for working with relationships and group dynamics that are emotionally charged or marked by difference and power dynamics. The Lewis Deep Democracy method provides training that is powerful yet easy to learn, and adaptable to a wide range of life situations.

COURSE OVERVIEW

If traditional democracy follows the majority vote, 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.

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.

Open Enrollment

My next course is planed for February 2026 and scheduled as four half-day sessions. If you are interested to join the cohort that is already forming, complete the form below and I will be in touch.

WHEN: Feb 6, 11, 18, 25 2026 from 9am - 12pm Pacific Time
WHERE: Online via Zoom
INSTRUCTOR: Navida Nuraney
COST:
- Baseline: $850
- Early Bird: $750 (til Jan 6)
- two Sliding-Scale spots at $600 - $750 for those paying out of pocket

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 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.”

  • “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.”