1st Edition

Interpersonal Conflict An Existential Psychotherapeutic and Practical Model

By Karen Weixel Dixon Copyright 2017
    146 Pages
    by Routledge

    146 Pages
    by Routledge

    Interpersonal Conflict provides a psychotherapeutic and philosophical understanding of the nature of interpersonal conflict. Arguing that facilitating conflict resolution has little to do with objective logic or rationale, and everything to do with personal (and cultural) values and aspirations, Karen Weixel-Dixon uses the lens of existential psychotherapy to provide innovative skills for conflict management.

    The book offers a deeper understanding of those theories and practices surrounding currently held perspectives on conflict, and extends the repertoire of communication skills relevant to difficult interpersonal situations, offering theoretical and practical input into the possibilities of reaching a therapeutic result.

    Interpersonal Conflict will be an engaging and informative guide for professionals in psychotherapy, health, HR, legal and teaching professions working with conflict, as well as students taking courses involving conflict resolution.

    Introduction 1. Why existential Psychotherapy 2. The essence of conflict and resolution 3. Part one: Theoretical foundations 4. Givens of existence 5. World-view 6. Self and Other 7. Time 8. The contributions of phenomenology 9. The contributions of hermeneutics 10. Part one summary 11. Case vignette 1: The family 12. Introduction part two: the practise of facilitative conflict resolution 13. Attitude 14. A theory of emotions and how to work with them 15. Practise and skills in managing conflict resolution 16. Strategies for facilitative conflict mediation 17. Format, protocol, and process 18. Ethical considerations 19. Part two summary 20. Case vignette 2: Unfair dismissal 21. Conclusion

    Biography

    Karen Weixel-Dixon is a psychotherapist, supervisor, and accredited mediator in private practice, and a visiting lecturer at Regent's University London. She is co-director for Re-Solution partnership.

    "This excellent book posits courage in the face of conflict. Grounded in realistic scenarios, it inspires optimism by describing how an existential attitude towards self and other can transform our struggles into opportunities for increased awareness and personal growth. Unlike other mediation approaches, Weixel Dixon is convincing that ‘it’s always personal’, bringing her therapeutic sensitivity into a uniquely psychological view of conflict resolution and mediation. Essential reading for mediators and other professionals but also easily accessible to students and trainees." - Dr Greg Madison, PhD, Psychologist, Certifying Focusing Coordinator

    "This is a wonderfully clear and satisfying read. The author deftly eases the uninitiated reader through the essentials of existentialist thought, moving from one topic to the next, only when we are ready. When this groundwork is laid, when we understand enough about the nature of conflict and what is at stake for the protagonists, only then are we introduced to practical, graspable ways to resolve it, rooted in self-awareness and dialogue. Unhesitatingly, I commend this book as a timely guide to facilitative conflict resolution." - Marina Wheeler, QC and mediator