Mediation Training Sessions

The following sessions will be held during the Mediation Training Institute.

Session I - Exploring Conflict

The program will begin with an exploration of the definition of conflict and the exploration of styles used to resolve conflict. Formal methods of resolving conflict will also be explored, including an in-depth overview of the formal mediation process.

Session II - The Introductory Statement

This session will begin with an examination of the environment needed for the mediation process. The six step mediation process will be outlined, and the participants will then explore the first step of the formal process, “The Introductory Statement”. Lastly, the participants will begin reviewing the second step of the mediation process, described in Session III.

Session III - Telling the Story

This session will focus on the second step of the mediation process, known as “Telling the Story”. Lecture and activities will focus on the tools utilized by mediators to create an environment that promotes the sharing of information. Special emphasis is placed on questioning and listening skills. A demonstration role play will be provided and participants will begin participating in role play activities as well.

Session IV - Defining Issues and Generating Options

Step Three of the mediation process, known as “Defining Issues”, and Step Four, “Generating Options” will be explored in this session. Participants will discover how to move disputants from a focus on the past to a mind set of creating a new future. Small group exercises and role play activities will assist participants in translating theory to practice.

Session V - Testing Options

This session will begin with a review of the fifth step of the mediation process, “Testing Options”, in which participants learn how to aid disputants in creating realistic and satisfying agreements. In addition to role play activities, special topics noted in Section VI will also be introduced.

Session VI - Writing the Agreement

Special topic areas such as Poisons in Communication, Caucusing, Direct Challenges, Terminating a Mediation, and Cross Cultural Communication will be covered in this section. The session will conclude with the final step of the mediation process, “Writing the Agreement”.

Section VII - Parting Comments & Questions

This session will be utilized to address any items not previously covered in the training program, as well as to provide a final role play opportunity and/or discuss programmatic questions of the participants.