A psychotherapist’s view of decision-making: Implications for peaceful negotiations

Abstract

The potential value of nurturing an ongoing Socratic dialogue between political leaders and “experts” in the fields of decision-making and cognitive behavioral therapy is explored. It is proposed that a decision-making consultant, who uses evidence-based interventions and strategies, can educate and inform political leaders on a preventative basis. These techniques would include establishing, maintaining, and monitoring the quality of the consultative relationship; conducting psychoeducation about possible cognitive errors or “thinking traps” that may inadvertently contribute to choosing violent options; employing motivational interviewing procedures; and teaching decision-making skills such as employing and conducting barrier analyses (possible influence of sacred values).