Transformative Mediation Explored

2023 Words5 Pages

Introduction

In life we are constantly facing an array of spiraling moments, whether it is a spiral in our thought processes, day to day events, or in our relationships. These spirals in life can either move in an upward or downward direction, upward being the more positive of the two. When taking a close look at the possible situations that could take place, there are moments when mediation is a necessary tool for problem solving. Firmly believing that relationships are important factors in our lives, transformative mediation is one of utmost importance because it works to reverse any downward spirals taking place within our relationships. (Bush & Pope, 2002) In the following paragraphs we will take a further look into transformative mediation and how this model can be used in different situations of mediation.

Transformative Mediation defined

Transformative mediation in simple terms can be briefly explained as a form of mediation that wants to solve more than the issue at hand. Transformative mediation seeks to teach and train the parties involved to reach a positive resolution for their current problem but also any problems they may encounter in their future. (Bush & Folger, 1994) It is the major focus of transformative mediation to bring both empowerment and recognition into the session. (Bush & Folger, 1994) The goal of empowerment is to develop the parties enough that they gain the skills to make their own improved decision. The goal with recognition is that the parties involved will have an increased awareness of the situation at hand and the issues taking place within relationships with the other parties involved. (Burgess, 1997) Ultimately, Transformative mediation defined is a mediation style that doesn’t set out t...

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Foster, K. (2003, June). A Study in Mediation Styles; A Comparative Analysis of Evaluative and Transformative Styles. Retrieved 2013, from Mediate.com: http://www.mediate.com/articles/fosterk1.cfm

Paranica, K., Prom, S., & Simon, D. (2013). An Introduction to Transformative Mediation. The Association for Conflict Resolution 2013 Annual Conference, (pp. 6-15). Minneapolis, MN.

United States Postal Service Website. (n.d.). About: Transformative Mediation. Retrieved 2013, from www.usps.com: https://about.usps.com/what-we-are-doing/redress/transformative-mediation.htm

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