Here is why I am so excited about utilizing the Transformative Mediation Model.  The Transformative model allows us to assume: 1. That the general intent of most humans is to be good and 2. We are all intimately connected to one another.  Think about this in terms of what type of legacy most of us which to leave.  Make a short mental list of what you hope your legacy to be.  Personally, I would hope that I would be remembered as being helpful and caring.

Following these assumptions, we can narrow our scope of the mediation to the Conflict Cycle specifically.  By focusing on the conflict cycle, the mediator can assist in surfacing the participants insecurities, fears, and so on, as related to the conflict and this allows small shifts from the destructive cycle toward a place of strength and openness.  This may seem similar to other mediation models, but here is the exciting part:  You simply allow the parties to have a conversation; Open and fluent.  Parties are allowed to fully express their ideas and feelings with their words and their emphasis and the mediator should also capture those emotions and feelings with the same emphasis.  By reflecting back their specific words and capturing the intensity of those words creates a space of self-empowerment for the parties.   No need for the “by in” here either.  The effectiveness of reflection and capturing the emotions of parties, allow parties to feel comfortable, and see the potential in themselves and the process.

If you have an interest in learning more about the transformative mediation process, my friend and fellow Mediator, Dan Simon, is hosting a training this July 27-29: http://www.twincitiesmediation.com/training/events/?utm_source=Burbank+for+May+29th&utm_campaign=28+May+2103&utm_medium=email