Admitting Uncertainty about “Illness” and “Reality” is Essential for Dialogue Presenter: Ron Unger 4ronunger@gmail.com 1-541-513-1811

What happens if we confront people about an emotionally charged belief? Usually they “dig in” and resist us If instead they submit to us, is that necessarily better?

What happens to internal dialogue once people think of themselves as “mentally ill” Person loses interest in learning from or being influenced by any parts of themselves seen as being sourced in the “illness” The focus shifts to attempts as suppression These attempts can backfire badly

If we don’t frame it as “illness” how can we define it? There are lots of more open-ended terms Conflict Difficulties Confusion Distress Even “disorder” We can frame ourselves simply as experts in creating conversations and explorations about such things

What are YOU certain about?

Can we know, and not know, things at the same time? Yes Once we accept both that We have lots of apparent “knowledge” We also can’t be sure how much of it may be wrong in some way

Summary In real dialogue, Each party needs to our own experience meets the experience of the other, In a way that informs, But does not overpower Any of the parties to the dialogue Each party needs to Be open to being influenced by the other While also able to avoid being overwhelmed and overpowered by the other

The “Renewal Process” 1. Construct system breaks down Common cause of that: trying to solve a problem not solvable within existing constructs 2. Temporary suspension of constructs Encounter with the “transliminal” 3. Construct restructuring If done under high stress etc., errors are more likely, leading to getting attached to defective constructs, and/or back into….. Success! If done under low stress and/or with luck etc., the process can result in new vision that enriches the person & possibly the culture.