The present article suggests the application of a psychodrama related strategy for tackling interpersonal conflicts in which an empathically based direct interpersonal dialogue between the two opposing protagonists is prepared step by step through indirect intra-personal phenomenological dialogues, where both protagonists simultaneously operate as an actor and a silent observer; i.e. the ‘simultaneous action-observer strategy’ (SA-OS).The first part explores the theoretical background, with a special emphasis on the phenomenological-dialectical personality model (Phe-Di PModel). In the second part, the procedure is described through its five stages and a theoretical interpretation of the dialectically involved personality dimensions in both protagonists through the action and observation modes. The intention is to mutually adjust the empathic accuracy, through an intense in vivo encounter, as a necessary basis to deepen and harmonize the relationship.
SA-OS, psychodrama, dialectics, Phe-Di PModel, empathic accuracy
The tPeP (Journal Person-centered experiential Psychotherapy) is the scientific journal for Dutch and Flemish psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, that work from, or are interested in a client-centered perspective.
