67th Annual Conference

Friday, February 26

Early Morning Colloquies

Colloquy 6

Self and Identity in Conflict Resolution: Reflective Functioning and the IDR Cycle

Presenter:

Elizabeth E. Bader, J.D., Bader Conflict Resolution Services, San Francisco, California

This program will focusing on exploring the implications of the IDR cycle for group therapists and facilitators.  It is well settled that issues of self and identity play a crucial role in conflict and its resolution.  This program identifies and examines  the "IDR cycle," the pattern of narcissistic inflation, deflation and, finally, realistic resolution that typically occurs during the process of conflict resolution.

In addition to learning to encourage clients' capacities for "reflective functioning," the mediator or conflict resolution facilitator must also be aware and able to work with her own narcissistic issues as well.  The work of Daniel Stern, Jessica Benjamin, Peter Fonagy and other authors shed light on this process. The role of mindfulness and presencing practices will be explored.

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to: 

1. Differentiate and learn to identify the IDR cycle, and the reasons for the cycle.

2. Analyze the ways that issues of self and identity occur in conflict resolution, and how to deal with them.

3. Review the concept of reflective functioning and its practical use in dealing with conflict.

4. Analyze the ways that their own issues of self and identity impact the process of working with clients during conflict resolution.

5. Review the ways in which mindfulness and a sense of grounding can help mediators or conflict resolution facilitators during impasse, proceedings, and why these practices are helpful.

Course References:

Bader, E. E. The Psychology of Mediation: Issues of Self and Identity and the IDR Cycle (currently under submission for publication); review copy available at www.elizabethbader.com/SelfandIdentity.pdf

Benjamin, J. (2004). Beyond Doer and Done To: An Intersubjective View of Thirdness, LXXIII PSYCHOANAL. Q. 5(2004).

Stern, D. N. (2004). The Present Moment as a Critical Moment, 20 NEGOTIATION J. 365.

Stern, D. N. (2004). The present moment in psychotherapy and everyday life.