“Becoming”: A Method for Expanding Systemic Thinking and Deepening Empathic Accuracy

The method of “becoming,” as an approach to increasing empathic ability, promoting exploratory dialogue, and heightening consciousness, is described. The method is seen as applicable across theoretical orientations. It is a way to operationalize Martin Buber's concept of “inclusion,” which he defined as a “bold swinging” into the consciousness of another person. Details are given about the method's application to resistance, confusion, defensiveness, criticalness, and other barriers to awareness, relationship, and the co-creation of shared meanings. Case examples are provided to illustrate the use of the method in a variety of contexts.