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PLATIBUS
Learning to navigate conflict, together
After years of exploring conflict transformation, we're sharing what we've learned about turning disagreements into opportunities for connection and growth.
Hi, we're Mari & Sérgio
We're two people fascinated by how conflicts shape our lives—with ourselves, with others, in our communities.
We haven't always been comfortable with disagreement. Like many of us, we learned to avoid it, postpone it, hope it would go away. But somewhere along the way, we started approaching it differently. We discovered frameworks and tools that made conflict less scary and more... workable.
After years of exploring these approaches, we want to share what we've learned and keep learning together with you.
Languages we speak:
→ Reach out in whatever language feels most comfortable
Mari
Since I was little, I've been looking for the role I can play to make this world less shitty. Ha. Being involved in different activist groups and movements, I was confronted with a whole lot of in-fighting and conflicts. I started to understand I wanted to build bridges across differences. Little by little, I have been learning how we can deal differently with tensions and conflicts when confronted with them. I would love to share what I've been learning so far and continue learning and exploring together.
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Sérgio
Founder of "Arte da Escuta" (Art of Listening), a deep investigation and an invitation to explore together this subtle art of listening that we all know in some way — but which can be continually deepened and refined.
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Supporting people through the early stages of conflict
We work with you when it's still possible to shift from tension to understanding, from defensiveness to genuine conversation.
What this looks like:
Moving from reactive patterns to intentional responses
Building skills to stay present when things get uncomfortable
Creating space for difficult conversations to actually happen
Learning to see conflict as information, not threat
Understanding conflict escalation
Glasl's model shows how conflicts can escalate through nine stages. We work with you in the early stages, when resolution is still possible.
Conflict doesn't start at war. It begins with tension and can escalate step by step. The earlier we address it, the more options we have.
Rational Level
Stages 1-3
Emotional Level
Stages 4-6
Fight Level
Stages 7-9
An honest note:
We work with you in stages 1-5, where conflicts are still at the rational and emotional levels. If you're dealing with a conflict that's escalated beyond stage 5 — where things have become deeply entrenched — we're probably not the right fit. But we're happy to listen and can connect you with other practitioners who specialize in those situations.
About the name
Why Platibus?
Platibus is our playful take on 'platypus'—the animal that's made of different parts that somehow work together.
Conflict is a bit like that too. It's composed of pieces from each person involved. Different perspectives, needs, histories, all mixed together in something that can feel strange and hard to make sense of.
We liked the idea of a name that nods to that complexity, while being a little different, a little curious. Just like the work itself.
What guides us
We don't follow just one method. Instead, we draw from:
A communication process developed by Marshall Rosenberg that helps people exchange information and resolve conflicts peacefully. It focuses on expressing needs clearly and listening with empathy.
Arnold Mindell's approach to working with group dynamics and conflicts. It emphasizes listening to all voices, including marginalized ones, and understanding the deeper processes at play in groups and communities.
Carl Jung's analytical psychology helps us understand the unconscious patterns, archetypes, and shadow aspects that influence how we relate to ourselves and others in conflict situations.
An approach that focuses on repairing harm rather than punishing wrongdoing. It brings together those affected by conflict to understand what happened, address needs, and find ways forward together.
A mindset and practice that seeks to find solutions that work for everyone involved, even when interests seem to conflict. It challenges the win-lose paradigm and looks for creative, inclusive outcomes.
A practice of sitting in circles to facilitate dialogue, decision-making, and healing. Circles create equal space for all voices and use talking pieces to ensure everyone is heard.
Augusto Boal's methodology uses theatre as a tool for social change. It helps people explore conflicts, rehearse difficult conversations, and discover new possibilities through embodied practice.
We continue to learn and integrate approaches that resonate with our values and prove useful in practice. Our work is always evolving as we discover new tools and perspectives.
What matters most to us:
We're not interested in surface-level, one-off workshops. We want to go deeper. We want to create spaces where we can have real conversations, practice skills together, and support each other through processes that take time.
Because becoming more conflict-confident isn't a quick fix. It's a journey.
Our manifesto (the short version)
Conflict is everywhere in our lives. Most of us didn't learn how to navigate it growing up.
We've tried facing it directly. And we've found it to be transformative—an opportunity for stronger connections, healthier communities, more self-awareness, and real change.
We're not saying it's easy or fun. But it becomes less scary once you find your way with it.
What we're building:
A community that provides space to empower each other. Long-term learning, not just quick tips. Deep practice, not just theory. Real support as we navigate the conflicts that show up in our lives.
Three dimensions we explore together:
Your relationship with yourself
Your relationships with others
Your relationship with the world around you
We're just getting started
If you'd like to stay connected and hear about what we're creating, sign up here.
Let's talk
Whether you're curious, have questions, or want to explore working together:
We respond in English, Nederlands, Português, Français, or Español—whatever works for you.