“Splitting” is a common, dysfunctional dynamic in teams. It occurs when teams divide into opposing groups, each with extreme “black-and-white” views on a particular issue. In effect, each groups says to the other: “We’re right and you are wrong!” Splitting creates anger, frustration, and demoralization. Without proper intervention, its polarizing effects undermine a team’s functioning and productivity.
In SafePath, an evidence-based form of Schema Therapy for teams and organizations, we view splitting and other dysfunctional dynamics through the lens of modes. Modes are extreme emotional states triggered in stressful situations. They dominate how a person feels, thinks, and copes at a particular moment. When we look at splitting systemically, taking a “helicopter view” of the team, we see a destructive, escalating cycle of modes-triggering-modes.
When we teach teams how to recognize modes, they can resolve dysfunctional patterns and establish heathier and more productive ways of working together. Our research with forensic hospitals and youth residences shows that SafePath improves team functioning and creates safer and healthier living environments for staff and patients, with reduced aggression and a more positive ward climate. Originally developed in the Netherlands, SafePath is now being used in 8 countries in a variety of workplace settings.
In this 90-minute workshop, we will use case examples and conduct a live, group demonstration to teach the basic concepts of SafePath, and show how they can be used to overcome splitting in teams.
Subtopics
- SafePath core concepts: modes, needs, and strengths in the team
- A systemic view of splitting and other dysfunctional team dynamics
- SafePath interventions with dysfunctional team dynamics
- The ORRI circle: the basic SafePath method
- Research on the effectiveness of SafePath
Over de spreker
David P. Bernstein, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (New York University, 1990) and former Professor of Forensic Psychotherapy at Maastricht University, The Netherlands. He is the Founder and CEO of SafePath Institute, training teams and organizations working in challenging environments. He is one of the pioneers of Schema Therapy, served as Vice-President of the International Society of Schema Therapy, and as President of the Association for Research on Personality Disorders. He has adapted Schema Therapy for forensic patients (“Forensic Schema Therapy”) and teams (“SafePath”) and conducted groundbreaking research supporting their effectiveness. He is the author of over 130 scientific publications on psychotherapy, personality disorders, forensic psychology, child abuse and neglect, and addictions. He is also the author of the widely used Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Bernstein iModes, image-based therapy tools.