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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 35. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 3, 2004, at 11:34:22
Hi, everyone,
I'm pleased to announce that Kali Munro, MEd, an online psychotherapist and support group facilitator and host -- and the author of the article on how to resolve conflict online:
http://www.kalimunro.com/article_conflict_online.html
linked to by the FAQ -- has agreed to be our guest expert for a week (though 8/9). She also offers other self-help resources:
http://www.kalimunro.com/articles.html
at her site and has a private practice in Toronto. Her clinical specialties include trauma, relationships, body image, and sexuality.
If you have any questions about online conflict resolution for her, post them here. Just put "Munro: " at the beginning of the subject line to flag it. As usual, please be civil.
Discussion about the how this works -- or doesn't -- is also welcome.
OK, any questions? :-)
Bob
----
The participation of a guest expert is intended to provide information and not advice. Her responses should not be considered diagnosis or treatment. She may suggest an option to consider, but do not infer that her professional opinion is that you personally should choose that option.
During the past 24 months, she has not been a full-time employee of any commercial organization that had an interest in the topics she will be commenting on, and neither she nor any immediate family member had a significant financial interest in or affiliation with one.
Posted by Kali Munro on August 3, 2004, at 20:03:07
In reply to Munro: Guest expert on online conflict resolution, posted by Dr. Bob on August 3, 2004, at 11:34:22
Thanks Bob!
Hi everyone! I'm happy to be here and to help out any way I can.
I read a few of the recent posts at the admin. board and can see that there have been some difficult and conflictual posts recently -- I'm sorry to hear that because I know how hard that can be. It's not only hard at the time it happens, but, for some members, it can feel hard for some time afterwards too.
I hope to help you with anything related to conflict resolution, so feel free to ask me questions or simply share your thoughts and feelings.
I look forward to talking with you. :)
Take care,
Kali
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on August 3, 2004, at 20:22:24
In reply to Re: Munro: Guest expert on online conflict resolut, posted by Kali Munro on August 3, 2004, at 20:03:07
I look forward to seeing you on the ninth.
Posted by gardenergirl on August 3, 2004, at 22:19:22
In reply to Munro: Guest expert on online conflict resolution, posted by Dr. Bob on August 3, 2004, at 11:34:22
Thanks for arranging this, Dr. Bob. One question: is Ms. Munro here *through* the 9th or *on* the 9th?
Thanks.
gg
Posted by Jai Narayan on August 4, 2004, at 7:25:53
In reply to Re: Munro: Guest expert on online conflict resolution » Dr. Bob, posted by gardenergirl on August 3, 2004, at 22:19:22
What a great help, I went to your suggested sites and copied down the conflict and communication advice.
I will have it on my desktop to access when I need it.
Dr.B and all the babblers are such are great addition to my life. I have learned so much about conflict and support from being at PB. I look forward to your input and dialogue.
Thank you.
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 4, 2004, at 7:39:40
In reply to Re: Munro: Guest expert on online conflict resolution » Dr. Bob, posted by gardenergirl on August 3, 2004, at 22:19:22
Posted by gardenergirl on August 4, 2004, at 8:11:39
In reply to Re: for a week, through the 9th (nm), posted by Dr. Bob on August 4, 2004, at 7:39:40
Posted by Kali Munro on August 4, 2004, at 20:15:09
In reply to Thanks for clarifying (nm) » Dr. Bob, posted by gardenergirl on August 4, 2004, at 8:11:39
Thanks for your welcome!
I'm here right now. :) Feel free to ask me questions or share your thoughts and ideas on the subject of conflict resolution.
Kali
Posted by Kali Munro on August 4, 2004, at 20:57:38
In reply to Re: Thanks for clarifying, posted by Kali Munro on August 4, 2004, at 20:15:09
I'm curious: what do people find the hardest about conflict online, for example, feeling hurt by what people say, not knowing how to respond, not feeling respected...?
When we're aware of our "trigger points" or what "gets us" the most in a conflict situation, we can develop more inner control over our reactions and responses. For example, for me, there have been times when I've read a post at a board or e-list and I felt personally attacked or slighted. When that's happened I've learned to restrain myself from responding right away (as tempting as it is to fire a response right back!) Then, I read the post the next day or later in the day and usually, although not always, the post doesn't "sound" as bad or feel as threatening the second time around. It's then been easier for me to decide whether or not I want to respond and if I respond, how to. That's not been easy to develop though! The temptation to respond right away is sometimes strong.
Many people say they feel drawn back to reading conflictual posts even when they find it really upsetting -- maybe it's a way of trying to have some control, in an out of control situation, by reading and knowing what's going on. But I find by taking time away -- in person or online -- we feel calmer and have a better perspective to help us in our response whatever that may be, including choosing not to respond.
Kali
Posted by gardenergirl on August 4, 2004, at 21:02:35
In reply to A question for members..., posted by Kali Munro on August 4, 2004, at 20:57:38
Um, just checking, but did you see the posts for you below?
Thanks,
ggPS: Good advice about stepping back and letting some of the heat dissipate before responding. I also try to remember to have on my psychological sunscreen when reading posts.
Posted by Kali Munro on August 4, 2004, at 21:11:23
In reply to Re: A question for members... » Kali Munro, posted by gardenergirl on August 4, 2004, at 21:02:35
Um, no I didn't, but thanks for letting me know! I'll go and check right now.
Kali
Posted by Kali Munro on August 4, 2004, at 21:49:06
In reply to Re: A question for members... » Kali Munro, posted by gardenergirl on August 4, 2004, at 21:02:35
I love that phrase: "emotional sunscreen"
Thanks for sharing it,
Kali
Posted by partlycloudy on August 5, 2004, at 6:55:47
In reply to A question for members..., posted by Kali Munro on August 4, 2004, at 20:57:38
I know that my buttons get pushed when I post an experience I had during therapy, and a reply debates the validity of the therapy modality, rather than making a comment on my experience. I feel side swiped by having my treatment questioned, and angered that someone would chose a post where I am sharing to make their point.
pc
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on August 5, 2004, at 7:59:11
In reply to emotional sunscreen, posted by Kali Munro on August 4, 2004, at 21:49:06
Posted by gardenergirl on August 5, 2004, at 8:36:45
In reply to emotional sunscreen, posted by Kali Munro on August 4, 2004, at 21:49:06
Thanks. I can't take full credit for it, though, because it was my therapist who came up with the "sunburned" metaphor for my sensitivity in the first place.
gg
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on August 5, 2004, at 8:59:47
In reply to Re: emotional sunscreen, posted by gardenergirl on August 5, 2004, at 8:36:45
Posted by Toph on August 5, 2004, at 15:11:21
In reply to A question for members..., posted by Kali Munro on August 4, 2004, at 20:57:38
In my brief foray here, I have struggled with how a member can responnd in a civil way to a post that is intentionally hurtful, false, bigoted, sarcastic, contentious and/or insulting. Most group therapeutic milieux allow members some ability to police themselves.
Posted by Kali Munro on August 5, 2004, at 22:24:53
In reply to Re: A question for members... » Kali Munro, posted by partlycloudy on August 5, 2004, at 6:55:47
I hear you! You don't get a response that is specific to what you posted about -- your experience in therapy -- but instead you are "instructed" about your choice of treatment. That's not what you were looking for. A poster who is critical of your treatment could, in another thread, ask you whether or not you'd like to hear his/her concerns -- much like asking someone if they are open to hearing some feedback. Then it's up to you whether or not you want to hear the concerns/critique and you're prepared rather than "side swiped".
Kali
Posted by Kali Munro on August 6, 2004, at 11:38:52
In reply to Re: A question for members..., posted by Toph on August 5, 2004, at 15:11:21
>>>>In my brief foray here, I have struggled with how a member can responnd in a civil way to a post that is intentionally hurtful, false, bigoted, sarcastic, contentious and/or insulting. Most group therapeutic milieux allow members some ability to police themselves.<<<<<
For sure, and I think it's useful for all of us to learn how to "police" within the communities we participate, and not simply wait for the moderator to do it.
I think it can be really hard to know whether or not someone is *intending" to be hurtful, etc. and at other times it's not hard at all, after all if someone says "you're stupid", we know pretty clearly they're trying to hurt us (even if they don't know they are!)
But unless the person is really obvious we may assume that the person is doing it intentionally when he/she may not be meaning to do it. They may not be highly empathic, or tuned into their own feelings and that of others, they may be so wrapped up in their own pain that they don't connect to other people's feelings etc. I'm not saying that it's okay to be rude and insensitive, just that people may not be acting as intentionally as we may think they are. The reason I say that is usually we are more hurt or angry when we think someone is trying to hurt us than when we think that they're out of touch, or insensitive but weren't actively trying to hurt us.
In terms of a response, well...you could say:
*"Wow, that really hurt me!" (Sometimes being short and simple is best because they get the most important part of your message and there's nothing to argue with!)
*"I think those kinds of remarks are prejudicial against women, black people, etc. because they cast women/black people etc. in a negative and false light. It's against the rules to make prejudicial comments." (assuming it is!)
*"I think so and so's post is provocative, argumentative, or uncivil (you might want to say why, or not) and I suggest that as a group we not engage with his/her post and continue on as we were. What do other people think?"
*I find your remark:...to be sarcastic, could you say it in a different way please?" (that might sound like a moderator but, hey, everyone could take on aspects of the moderating role, no?)
Do you think any of those would work for you?
Kali
Posted by Dinah on August 6, 2004, at 11:44:12
In reply to Toph » Toph, posted by Kali Munro on August 6, 2004, at 11:38:52
The last two would probably get Toph a PBC. We're not allowed to negatively characterize a post or poster. Only to make "I" statements. :)
Posted by Kali Munro on August 6, 2004, at 12:42:19
In reply to Re: Chuckle » Kali Munro, posted by Dinah on August 6, 2004, at 11:44:12
>>>>The last two would probably get Toph a PBC. We're not allowed to negatively characterize a post or poster. Only to make "I" statements. :)<<<<
PBC? I take it that is some kind of reprimand, oops. :) If that's the case, Bob, please forgive me! ;)*I* think that the following are "I" statements unless "I" statements are meant only to be "I feel" statements.
>>>>>*"I think so and so's post is provocative, argumentative, or uncivil (you might want to say why, or not)..."
*I find your remark:...to be sarcastic, could you say it in a different way please?" <<<<<<
I think if the above was stated as "YOU are..." or even "I THINK you are provocative, argumentative, uncivil, or sarcastic" then they would not be "I" statements because they are about the person rather than the content of the post.
The person on the receiving end has the option of disagreeing and saying, "I don't think it was a sarcastic remark and I don't want to change it."
So, does that mean in the context of something warranting an intervention from Bob (which was how I read the original question), members are not allowed to say that they think the content of the post (I agree it's about the content of the post, not the person) is uncivil?
Kali
Posted by AuntieMel on August 6, 2004, at 12:45:35
In reply to Re: Chuckle » Kali Munro, posted by Dinah on August 6, 2004, at 11:44:12
Posted by partlycloudy on August 6, 2004, at 13:04:13
In reply to Re: actually the last three would get a pbc (nm) » Dinah, posted by AuntieMel on August 6, 2004, at 12:45:35
Posted by Dinah on August 6, 2004, at 13:23:46
In reply to Re: Chuckle » Dinah, posted by Kali Munro on August 6, 2004, at 12:42:19
> So, does that mean in the context of something warranting an intervention from Bob (which was how I read the original question), members are not allowed to say that they think the content of the post (I agree it's about the content of the post, not the person) is uncivil?
>
> KaliQuite right. :) I've seen far too many people get Please Be Civils or blocks for responding that way to a post.
We're allowed to say "I feel hurt when I read your post." We are not allowed to say "I feel your post was hurtful" or "I feel the contents of that post were hurtful". I'm not sure about "I feel hurt *by* your post." It's verbal gymnastics that requires that we take total responsibility for our feelings in our remarks, and does not allow for the reference to the post or poster to be in any way negative.
Posted by Dinah on August 6, 2004, at 13:24:25
In reply to Re: Chuckle » Dinah, posted by Kali Munro on August 6, 2004, at 12:42:19
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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