Restorative Approaches

In both workplace and academic environments, people may experience relational disconnection for various reasons, leading to a loss of trust, reduced communication, or a lack of collaboration. A restorative approach offers a way to rebuild and strengthen a sense of belonging by bringing together those who have been impacted by the disconnection, with the goal of addressing individual and community needs.  

A restorative approach involves a structured, facilitated conversation that explores:

• What happened?
• What was the impact?
• What is needed to restore respect, dignity, and care?

We offer two types of restorative processes: 

Impact Circle: Explores the impact of harm caused by the disconnection, maps out collective needs, and participants collaboratively problem-solve to rebuild and strengthen a group’s/team's sense of belonging.  

Restorative Conversation: Restores interpersonal relationships through active accountability, mutual understanding, and the co-creation of mutual agreements that support rebuilding trust and strengthening collegial relationships.  

When are restorative approaches used?

Restorative approaches highlight the restorative mindset elements of healing rather than alienating with the understanding that people are more than the harm they cause and/or experience.  At UCSF, restorative approaches are used as an early intervention tool to address relational concerns that may not meet the threshold of a formal policy violation. Common examples include:

• Address clinical team dynamics, aiming to repair and improve communication.
• Repair the loss of trust and psychological safety within a team that resulted from long-standing, unaddressed issues.
• Restore peer relationships that have been fractured by conflict, miscommunication, or unmet expectations. 

How can I request one? 

Our restorative approaches are adaptable to the specific needs of the individuals and groups involved. Please complete a request form if you are interested in arranging a restorative process for your community, and we will schedule a consultation meeting to discuss your request. 

Request a RESTORATIVE APPROACH

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