Join us for a transformative workshop led by Dr. Kirk Schneider, a prominent figure in existential-humanistic and existential-integrative psychology. In this session, Dr. Schneider will unveil and demonstrate the Experiential Democracy Dialogue, a pioneering method he has developed to counteract the deep-seated and perilous polarization affecting our societies and the wider world. This polarization is not only widespread but also represents one of the most pressing social and psychological challenges of our time. Dr. Schneider advocates for an urgent, depth, and existentially oriented approach to healing.
The Experiential Democracy Dialogue is designed to facilitate meaningful conversations between individuals who find themselves on opposing sides of ideological divides. During the workshop, Dr. Schneider will introduce participants to his innovative approach, followed by a live demonstration featuring two individuals representing differing perspectives on a current issue. Participants will then have the opportunity to engage in the dialogue themselves, working in pairs to explore the method under Dr. Schneider’s guidance. The workshop will conclude with a group discussion, allowing for reflection and shared insights.
This workshop aims not to spark debate but to foster a process of re-humanization, encouraging us to view our ideological “opponents” with more of a sense of discovery than presumption. By doing so, we hope to increase the chances of finding actionable common ground or, at the very least, expand our ability to coexist peacefully and respectfully. Whether you’re a professional in conflict mediation, a student of psychology, or simply someone interested in contributing to societal healing, this workshop offers valuable insights into bridging divides and enhancing communal harmony.
Course Content
organisations
“Bringing Wisdom to the World”
If you have been wondering where you might be able to find a group of people who want to bring their knowledge and experience to a worldwide movement for a better way of life, you have just found it.
Existential ideas are a powerfully alternative way of looking at human existence. These ideas have been around for many millennia, in the Athenian philosophies, the Eastern philosophical traditions and even, in a sense in pagan philosophies.
They became much more prominent in the 19th century with the writings of Soren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche and came to fruition with the work of Husserl, when he provided the method of phenomenology.
Most people have heard about existentialism, a mainly French 20th century philosophical movement, that broke the mould of philosophy and made it about human existence, rather than about human knowledge.
Since then existential ideas have been applied vigorously to the practice of psychology and psychotherapy and a movement of existential therapy was generated over the past century, that is now extremely popular. All around the world existential therapists work in this way and every four years they come together for the World Congress of Existential Therapy.
However it has now become vital to broaden the scope of the movement. As the world is in turmoil and going through extremely dangerous times, humanity seems to have lost track of the things that really matter. People have placed consumerism, profitability and competition at the foreground of human existence and have stopped noticing how they are ruining the eco system of the planet as well as the emotional climate in which we all live.
Presenter
Kirk Schneider, Ph.D. is a leading spokesperson for existential-humanistic and existential-integrative psychology, an adjunct faculty member at Saybrook University and formerly Teachers College, Columbia University, and a cofounder and current president of the award-winning Existential-Humanistic Institute. He was also a 2022 candidate for president-elect of the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Schneider has authored/coauthored 15 books including The Polarized Mind, The Depolarizing of America, and his latest book: Life-Enhancing Anxiety: Key to a Sane World.
The Existential Movement exists to reduce interpersonal conflict and psychological suffering and to enhance well-being in the community. It is a non-religious, non-political movement, using existential ideas derived from existential philosophy, psychotherapy, and psychology to achieve these aims. Its motto is to ‘bring wisdom to the world’.
The Existential Movement is composed of international members who wish to pursue the aims as the Existential Movement of enhancing emotional and spiritual health and well-being within the communities of each nation.
Find out more by clicking the website link under the logo.
