Originally from Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation

PAGE PREVIEW

Good psychology should include all the methodological techniques, without having loyalty to one method, one idea, or one person. —Abraham Maslow

* * *

My experience is that the resolution of a lawsuit that provides economic or other benefits promotes the healing process, while pending claims or litigation perpetuates negative emotions.

The dispute, especially when formalized into the rituals and evidentiary parameters of litigation, can become an open wound, sprinkled with periodic doses of salt. Uncertainty is a lever constantly churning emotions. Closure is indeed a salve for the mental distress of conflict and loss.

Although many tools are fungible and adaptable to variable situations, the context is certainly going to matter, so not every tool or insight is useful. But it is important to have as many tools in the kit that you are comfortable handling.