logo still in the oven, but we are already here
PLATIBUS
Learning to navigate conflict, together
We facilitate learning and practice so people can build conflict skills before tension escalates into something unmanageable.
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 or hope it would go away. Over time, we found approaches that made conflict less scary — and more workable.
Now 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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Building conflict skills for real life
We guide people through learning journeys that help them recognize tension, stay present, and respond with more skill and awareness.
We focus on practice, reflection, and real examples — not abstract theory.
What you learn with us:
Recognizing conflict patterns early — yours and others
Staying present when conversations get uncomfortable
Making conscious choices instead of reactive ones
Understanding conflict as useful information
Ways to work together
We work with individuals and teams who want to handle tension, disagreement, and feedback with more clarity and care.
Corporate trainings
Practical sessions for teams who want to build conflict skills together. We focus on real situations, not abstract theory.
Facilitated conversations
Support for difficult conversations that need a structured space. We help teams create the conditions for honest dialogue.
Learning journeys
Longer-term programs for those who want to go deeper. A mix of group sessions, individual reflection, and practice.
Understanding conflict escalation
A simple framework to name what’s happening and choose your next step with more clarity.
Conflict rarely starts at war. It begins with tension and can escalate step by step. Naming the stage can expand your options.
Click a stage to read what it looks like. In stages 1–5, you’ll also see how we can support you. If you need support beyond what we offer, we can refer you to practitioners in our network.
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. If you’re beyond stage 5, we’re probably not the right fit — but we can still listen and connect you with trusted practitioners.
About the name
Why Platibus?
A playful take on 'platypus'
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: 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 range of approaches, including:
A practical way to express needs clearly and listen with empathy, especially under tension.
Arnold Mindell's approach to group dynamics that helps make space for multiple voices — especially the ones that are harder to hear.
A lens for noticing the patterns (and blind spots) we bring into conflict — with ourselves and with others.
An approach that focuses on repairing harm by centering impact, needs, and accountability.
A way to look for solutions that can work for everyone involved — beyond win/lose.
A structured way to create equal space for dialogue, decision-making, and repair.
Augusto Boal's methodology: rehearse difficult conversations and explore new options through embodied practice.
We keep learning and integrating what proves useful in practice. Our work evolves as we do.
What matters most to us:
We care about depth over quick fixes. Real conversations, real practice, and support over time.
Because becoming more conflict-confident isn't a quick fix. It's a journey.
Our manifesto (the short version)
Conflict is everywhere. Most of us didn't learn how to navigate it growing up.
When we face it with care, it can become an opportunity: stronger connections, healthier communities, more self-awareness, real change.
It's not always easy or fun. But it becomes less scary once you have tools — and practice.
The longer version.
What we're building:
A community for long-term learning and deep practice — with 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
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.