About Me

Transforming Conflict into Connection

I take an individualised, root cause approach to communication and conflict.

95% of conflict can be avoided by having the right conversation.

Here’s the truth – the reason things end up in court is because we have not been taught the skills to deal with difficult relationships and situations, and we end up having a messy, painful and divisive conversation.

However, with the right guidance, the most profound and impossible conflicts can transform more quickly than you can imagine by just staying on track with a few guidelines. It’s not rocket science, but it is a skill – and one you can learn.

Profile of Laing Kerns-Stokes, lead mediator at Evolve Mediation.

I help families navigate the difficult and messy situations with warmth, clarity and integrity.

Hi, I’m Laing, mediator and communication educator. I have a natural ability to hold multiple perspectives at once. I tune into the unspoken dynamics beneath the surface of the conversation — needs left unmet, boundaries overlooked, and assumptions silently driving behaviour. I unravel the deeper layers of dialogue, where judgments, expectations, and emotional undercurrents shape the way people relate. This lets me navigate complexity with clarity, and guide others toward greater understanding and resolution.

Why work with me

Because I don’t just offer tools — I offer presence. I bring deep insight into human behaviour, grounded communication skills, and a systems-thinking approach that helps you see the full picture of what’s really going on. Clients often tell me they feel deeply seen — sometimes for the first time in a long time — and leave our sessions with clarity, relief, and renewed energy for situations they thought were stuck.
This work isn’t just what I do — it’s who I am. I approach every conversation with authenticity, integrity, and respect for the complexity of human relationships. My goal is not to fix you or force an outcome, but to create the kind of space where real shifts can happen. Whether you’re navigating personal, family, or workplace conflict, I offer grounded guidance that honours your values — and helps you find your way forward.

Laing Kerns-Stokes on laptop representing why to work with me.
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