Event overview
This workshop is presented by the Conflict Research Society and Goldsmiths Department of Psychology
This workshop will:
• Teach the principles and practice of making simple dialog maps to help discussion and analysis between the members of groups with conflicting interests
• Use case studies and small group work to practice the skills involved in making dialog maps
• Take the legendary example of Robin Hood, Richard the Lion-heart and the Sheriff of Nottingham to further test the model when a head to head conflict seems impossible to resolve because positions are deeply held
• Evaluate the use of these maps at individual, group and societal levels of conflict resolution
• Assess and discuss the potential research utility of dialog maps in relation to peace psychology and conflict resolution
• Establish a special interest group for those who would like to pursue the use of dialog maps further as a research tool
*About Dialog maps*
Dialog maps are impromptu diagrams drafted by participants (after some training in their use) in the thick of discussion, position taking and reflection.
They help scaffold and guide discussion and offer the possibility of joint accurate description and formulation of the social and psychological factors which make up the conflict and the interests of various parties.
They focus on a specific situation and map the relational dynamics of a particular moment without interpretation or judgment in the first instance. Each party agrees a map from their position and for their group and the maps are compared and contrasted and consensus about a shared map is negotiated through an intergroup exercise.
This is not a shared solution but a shared understanding of how the conflict is established and maintained. As a research tool the dialog maps serve to guide and shape discussion whilst being seen as non prescriptive of or intrusive on the content.
Dialog maps adapt some of the ideas and methods of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) (Ryle and Kerr 2003, Potter 2010). It is a non expert approach whereby participants learn to use simple mapping tools to mediate their own experience.
The general principles of the CAT approach have been used widely as a psychotherapy in the NHS for twenty years. More recently the dialog maps element has been used successfully to teach patients with eating disorders to map their own conflicts, nurses and health care assistants faced with complex needs and conflicting situations in mental health work.
The dialog maps are situation specific and involve mapping out together the hoped for, routinely endured and feared positions and the patterns of interaction that maintain them.
Participants will come away with a new tool for mapping conflict and a new perspective on the relational dynamics of conflict. They should have more capacity to keep in mind all the factors to a conflict without reducing it to its psychological, sociological, economic or historical dimensions. The challenge of working side by side without going head to head is a key element of this exercise and of the mapping work.
*Of interest to:*
The day is likely to be of interest to academics, NGAs, students and professionals concerned with conflict resolution and international relations.
*Trainers:*
The day will be led by Steve Potter and Julie Lloyd. They have worked together for a number of years applying the methods of cognitive analytic therapy to conflict resolution. Steve Potter is a psychotherapist mainly involved in training in-patient, community and multi-professional teams in more relational intelligent and non confrontational ways of working with mental health. He is chair of the International Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy and is interested in the relationship between national identity and psychological health. Julie Lloyd is a clinical psychologist working in the NHS, cognitive analytic practitioner and a trustee of the Conflict Research Society.
*Booking information*
Places are limited; please book by email to Herbert Blumberg: h.blumberg@gold.ac.uk
There is no charge for this workshop.
Participants may buy lunch at the University canteen ‘Loafers’ which will be open 10am-2pm. Sandwiches available all day.
Tea and coffee will be available; donations invited.
Dates & times
Date | Time | Add to calendar |
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15 Oct 2011 | 9:15am - 4:30pm |
Accessibility
If you are attending an event and need the College to help with any mobility requirements you may have, please contact the event organiser in advance to ensure we can accommodate your needs.