Elizabeth Bader is a lawyer, mediator, coach, author and public speaker.

Understanding "Ego:" A Doorway in Conflict Resolution

Elizabeth’s work focuses on the integration of psychology, spirituality and conflict resolution. As Elizabeth has discussed in her recent publications, these worlds come together during conflict. This is due to the way that issues of self and identity — also known as “face” or “ego” issues — create conflict and impede its resolution.

Stated another way, understanding when, why and how people can learn to "let go" and compromise during conflict has practical, legal, psychological and spiritual dimensions.

Publications and Honors

Elizabeth's work on the psychology of mediation has been published in the Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal (2010), the International Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies (2011), and mediate.com.

In recognition of her work, the Margaret S. Mahler Psychiatric Research Foundation awarded Elizabeth their Literature Prize in 2011. This is a rare honor for a lawyer.

Her work has been studied in graduate programs at UC Berkeley (Boalt Hall), Golden Gate University, John F. Kennedy University, and the University of Oregon.

Teaching Activities

Elizabeth teaches in many different settings. She has presented at the Bar Association of San Francisco, the American Bar Association, the American Group Psychotherapy Association, the Science and Nonduality Conference 2012, Boalt Hall, JFK University and other places. She has also led small groups for lawyers and therapists.

Mindful Inquiry: A Practice to Facilitate Understanding

In mediation and as appropriate in her work with individuals, Elizabeth uses sustained, empathic, nonjudgmental inquiry to facilitate self-reflection and insight.

Elizabeth also incorporates recent insights on the neuroscience of trauma in her work, mainly by emphasizing gentleness and encouraging people to move away from the “story.”

Stongly influenced by Peter Levine's work on trauma, Elizabeth is now in the third year of a program offered by his trauma institute. She is also writing an article on trauma in mediation.

Work within the American Bar Assn

In 2009, Elizabeth founded and today continues to chair the only committee within the American Bar Association that expressly includes both psychology and spirituality in its mandate. In that role, she organizes and facilitates meetings on topics such as meditation, forgiveness and money.

Email Elizabeth 

Call Elizabeth at (415) 391-7272

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