Dominant Ideas
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A 7-step intervision technique: the group together looks for dominant ideas in the presenter's situation and formulates alternatives.
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Step-by-step instructions
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Steps
- The presenter briefly describes their situation and the question they're struggling with.
- The group names the “dominant ideas” (beliefs and assumptions) they notice — without judgement or advice. The presenter listens.
- The group lists all the beliefs mentioned; which stand out most?
- The presenter responds: what do they recognise, what surprises them?
- The group formulates alternative approaches or perspectives.
- Discuss the outcome and evaluate the process.
Settings
- Time per step (minutes) — optional. Set 0 for no timer. The method has 7 steps.
- Preparation: one participant brings a real situation (case).
Tip: a practice case with AI
No real case at hand? Ask Microsoft Copilot: “Write a short, relatable situation about [topic/context] that contains a few guiding beliefs, to practise with.” Use it as a practice case.
Tips for the facilitator
Group of 4–8 participants. Pen and paper for each. One participant brings a situation where they feel stuck.
- Before step 2, briefly explain: dominant ideas are beliefs or assumptions that guide our thinking — often unconsciously. Participants name what they notice, without advice or judgements.
- Write the dominant ideas in step 3 visibly on a board or flip chart — so everyone has the same overview
- In step 4, let the presenter first sit with what touches them before responding — allow a brief pause
- Teachers who want to break patterns in their own thinking about students or parents
- Therapists, coaches or social workers stuck because of their own beliefs
- Colleagues from the same profession who want to reflect more deeply than just on the situation
Described in: Bellersen, M. & Kohlmann, I. Praktijkboek Intervisie (3rd ed.). Boom.
Pairs well with
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