Deep Democracy

Deep Democracy is a practical methodology in human dynamics. It is based on process oriented psychology, a therapeutic psycho-social-political paradigm and methodology developed by Arnold Mindell (1992). Whereas classical political democracy provides a methodology for political governance through voting and the distribution and concentration of power, deep democracy provides a methodology for all of us to use our experiences to participate in a more meaningful and effective way with others.

Process oriented psychology, also known simply as process work, began as a therapeutic paradigm integrating the symbolic thinking of Jungian psychology with discoveries in quantum physics, chaos theory, and ancient spiritual traditions such as Taoism and indigenous philosophies. While it is directly relevant in working with today’s social, organizational, and person problems conflicts, it isn’t a panacea. It is hard work.

The practice of Deep Democracy helps people understand their own experience, and those of others, as being a voice or a role in a complex dynamic. The views that we normally react against, either in others or in ourselves, have a deeper meaning. Understanding our normal reactions to extreme experiences is hard work. Learning to use these experiences in a more useful way to help us and our country is even harder. How can we work together to understand ourselves and others? How can we learn to see our own behaviors and feelings and states of consciousness as part of a tool set that can help us direct our own lives and interact with others in a more creative way?

This work is being applied in numerous settings around the world (see www.iapop.com, website of the International Association of Process Oriented Psychology) including clinical practice, family dynamics, psychiatric settings, business organizations, and conflict facilitation.