In The Moment: A Practice & Discussion Group for Real Conversations

​Topic: When Conversations Feel Like a Power Struggle

​Ever walk away from a conversation feeling like you've been bulldozed? Or unsure why a disagreement got so out of hand?

​It’s frustrating to feel managed, commanded, or pressured by someone else. When we default to pushing back or shutting down entirely, the dynamic just keeps spinning.

​In this session we will look at how these dynamics play out in daily life and explore how to manage your half of the interaction in a way that gives the other person an opportunity to change how they engage with you.

The Plan:

• ​Discuss: Where do you spot these power struggles showing up in your daily life? How do you respond?

• ​Debrief: Look at real conversations to see where things go sideways.

• ​Practice: Try out new ways to understand and be understood in a low-pressure setting.

• ​Q&A: Bring a scenario from your own life to get feedback on how to move forward.

​This is for people who want to:

• ​Advocate for yourself in awkward or difficult situations.

• ​Leave conversations feeling proud of how you showed up

• ​Be a better listener, partner, friend, community member

​Hosted by: Alissa Ballestrin
I’ve been working in conflict navigation for over 10 years, focusing on the moments where conversations break down, and people aren’t sure what to do next.

​I don’t believe there’s one “right” way to communicate. We’re all different, and I'm dedicated to helping people navigate those differences in the most constructive way for the individuals involved. That includes building the skills to handle disagreement, navigate boundaries, give and receive feedback, and stay engaged in conversations that feel uncomfortable.