The Science of Relating - Sara Ness

The Science of Relating - Sara Ness

Update: 2025-08-19
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"Conflict isn't a failure of connection—it's an opportunity for deeper relational intelligence." – Sara Ness

Sara Ness is the CEO of Authentic Revolution and Research Director at Seek Healing, where she pioneers transformative group practices that bridge authentic relating, social technology, and embodied facilitation. Widely regarded as a leader in the field of group process and relational training, Sara has trained thousands of facilitators across the globe—from Google and Dell executives to underground community builders and co-op leaders.

Sara is the creator of the largest library of authentic relating games in the world, with over 250 practices sourced from diverse cultures and contexts. She is also the founder of Fight Lab, a groundbreaking conflict practice space where participants role-play real-life tensions to build resilience, clarity, and skill in difficult conversations.

In this episode, Sara shares:

  • The four core perspectives every facilitator must learn to track.
  • How to practice staying present and skillful in activated, high-stakes spaces.
  • Tools for working with discord, fragmentation, and divergent needs in group fields.
  • How authentic relating games act as "social technologies" that unlock depth and connection—fast.
  • The difference between relational preferences and relational languages—and why that matters in conflict.
  • Why she believes facilitators must bring their full, imperfect selves into leadership.

 

Join our Patreon for access to monthly Facilitation teachings and webinars with Rachel

Patreon.com/inpresencewetrust

Connect with Sara

www.authrev.org

https://substack.com/@authenticrevolutionary

Connect with Rachel

Rachel's Email List: subscribe

Rachel's Website: rachelrickards.com

The Field Facilitator Training: www.the-field.com

Find us on Instagram

The Field Facilitator Training: instagram.com/thefieldfacilitation

Rachel Rickards: instagram.com/rachel.rickards/

Our Cover Art was Designed by Oana Serbana

Instagram: Oana_flowingart

Etsy:  Oana Flowing Art Etsy

 

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The Science of Relating - Sara Ness

The Science of Relating - Sara Ness