There are phenomena within a system that are difficult to resolve on one’s own or as a pair. This is because they transcend the individual and may affect us as an organization, a society, or even as humanity.
Open Forum Setting Social Systems in Motion
Throughout Switzerland and generally in German-speaking regions
The Open Forum according to Arnold Mindell, it is a participatory process that aims to transform collective conflicts and social divisions by including all voices—especially those of the marginalized or oppressed. Instead of suppressing conflicts or resolving them through majority decisions, the forum invites participants to bring the “hidden sides” of an issue to light. This includes the so-called “shadow” aspects (e.g., the fear behind prejudice or the craving behind drug use) and the “ideal” aspects (e.g., the need for safety or justice).
Approach
This approach is based on the assumption that societal crises—such as the trauma of war or social injustice—are not merely external problems, but also reflect internal processes within the individuals of the community. By addressing these processes, the Open Forum can help build resilience and deepen dialogue among different cultural and political groups.
Arnold Mindell (1940–2024) was the founder of Process Work and played a key role in developing this method to apply psychological principles to social conflicts and global issues.
Note: Arnold Mindell passed away on June 10, 2024. His concepts are heavily based on the intersection of quantum physics, Jungian psychology, and spiritual traditions.
Practice
The Open Forum addresses issues such as racism, discrimination, sexuality, and political trauma by promoting a depth-psychological and body-oriented approach. Participants are encouraged to observe their own reactions (thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations) and connect them with those of others.
Goal
The goal is to develop a democratic mindset in which every voice—no matter how unpopular or disruptive it may seem—is regarded as an important building block for understanding the entire collective process.
This enables communities to find new, inclusive solutions that do justice to the complexity of human experience, rather than remaining stuck in polarization.
Effect
From a systemic perspective, an Open Forum acts as a catalyst for change. It forces the system to acknowledge its repressed aspects (such as racism) and bring them into the dialogue. The result is not necessarily immediate harmony, but rather greater complexity and a more accurate reflection of reality within the system. The danger lies in the system being unable to withstand the tension and falling back into old patterns; the benefit lies in the opportunity to develop a new, integrative structure that does not deny the pain of the past but incorporates it into the future.
