Closing Commentary: Bearing Complexity and Balancing Dialectics: Enduring the Relational Journey

Abstract

The IARPP Symposium papers offer us a panoramic view of the range of clinical creativity and critical thought inspired within the relational community in the midst of the severe challenges of the pandemic. The contributions range from examples of thoughtful clinical engagement, to ethical considerations, the importance of non-verbal communication, the impact of racial issues on both patient and analyst and the intersection between relational thinking and socio/political issues. The papers illustrate a clinical approach that does not emphasize uncovering truth or resolving conflict but rather encourages enduring the complexity of human experience.

Keywords:

• pandemic
• enduring complexity
• interdependency
• vulnerability
• nonverbal communication

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Margaret Black Mitchell

Margaret Black Mitchell, LCSW is a Founding Board Member and Vice-President of IARPP; Board Member and Supervisor, NIP; Founding Board Member and Faculty, Stephen A. Mitchell Relational Study Center.