Yurandalli

The Empathy-Driven Conflict Resolution (EDCR) program is a contemporary therapeutic intervention designed to reduce a person’s use of violence by enhancing emotional intelligence, fostering empathy, and promoting non-violent communication skills. This intervention uses a combination of cognitive-behavioural techniques, mindfulness practices, and immersive role-playing simulations to reshape the individual’s emotional responses to conflict and reduce the likelihood of violent behaviours. It focuses on breaking the cycle of violence through a personalised approach tailored to the person’s emotional triggers and interpersonal dynamics.

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Key Components:

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Empathy Training through Immersive Role-Playing

• Objective: To develop a deep sense of empathy and perspective-taking.

• Method: Individuals participate in immersive virtual or real-world role-playing exercises where they are placed in the perspectives of the people they typically experience conflict with. These scenarios are designed to evoke the emotional experiences of others and allow participants to experience the impact of their violent or aggressive actions from an external perspective.

• Expected Outcome: By seeing the world through the eyes of others, individuals develop an emotional understanding of how their behaviour impacts others, reducing the likelihood of future violent responses.

 

Violence De-escalation Skills Training (VDST)

• Objective: To provide individuals with practical tools to de-escalate conflicts without resorting to violence.

• Method: This involves teaching individuals’ evidence-based communication strategies rooted in non-violent communication (NVC) techniques. Role-playing scenarios involving real-life conflicts are used to practice these skills. Emphasis is placed on assertive rather than aggressive communication, and individuals are trained in verbal de-escalation tactics.

• Expected Outcome: Improved communication skills that help individuals navigate tense situations calmly and without resorting to aggression.

 

Cognitive Reappraisal and Emotional Regulation Training

Objective: To help individuals recognise and manage emotional triggers that often lead to violence.

Method: Using cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) principles, individuals are trained to identify cognitive distortions (e.g., all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophising, sweeping statements) that escalate emotional responses. Emotional regulation strategies such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), breathing exercises, and grounding techniques are taught to help individuals regain control of their emotions in conflict situations.

Expected Outcome: Enhanced ability to manage intense emotions like anger and frustration, reducing impulsive violent reactions.

 

Trauma-Informed Therapy Sessions

• Objective: To address underlying trauma that may contribute to violent behaviour.

• Method: Through trauma-informed therapy, individuals explore past experiences of violence or trauma that have shaped their current behaviour. The goal is to unpack how unresolved trauma triggers violent behaviour and work toward healing.

• Expected Outcome: Reduction in trauma-related triggers, leading to a decrease in reactive violence.

 

Mindfulness-Based Self-Awareness (MSA)

• Objective: To increase self-awareness and foster non-reactivity in stressful situations.

• Method: Incorporating daily mindfulness practices such as guided meditation, body scanning, and mindful breathing exercises. These practices help individuals observe their thoughts and feelings without acting on them, creating a pause between stimulus (conflict) and response (violent behaviour).

• Expected Outcome: Increased emotional self-regulation and reduction in automatic violent reactions during stress or conflict.

 

Social Support and Accountability

• Objective: To provide ongoing support and accountability in the individual's journey toward non-violence.

• Method: With permission, direct or indirect methods of involvement in the continuous feedback regarding improvement from family, partners supportive friends; anyone invested in supporting positive change.

• Expected Outcome: Reduced incidents, towards elimination of the use of violence.

 

Target Audience:

This intervention is aimed at individuals with a history of violent behaviour, including but not limited to:

• Those with histories of domestic violence or abusive behaviour.

• Adolescents and young adults at risk of engaging in violent activities (e.g., gang involvement).

• Individuals in correctional facilities or on probation.

• Veterans or others dealing with trauma-related aggression.

 

Program Delivery:

• Duration: The EDCR program is designed to last minimum of 12 weeks, with weekly individual therapy sessions and in-between session work for the client to complete.

• Format: The program currently delivered online only. The participants will have 3-month free access to review resources and self-help psychoeducation during and post participation.

 

Outcome Measures:

The effectiveness of the EDCR program is measured through:

• Behavioural assessments: Pre- and post-program evaluations of violent behaviour, including both self-reported and observed changes.

• Empathy scales: Increases in empathy and perspective-taking, assessed through standardised tools.

• Emotional regulation assessments: Improvements in emotional regulation and stress management, using validated scales.