The Promise of Mediation, written by Baruch Bush and Joe Folger

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The book The Promise of Mediation, written by Baruch Bush and Joe Folger, outlines two different approaches to mediation: problem-solving and transformative. A problem-solving mediator uses a highly controlled process that directs the “substance of the discussion” (Burgess, 1997). Problem-solving mediators highlight the areas that the parties agree on, while avoid areas of disagreement. This approach means that problem-solving mediators play a large role in in “crafting settlement terms and obtaining the parties' agreement,” even though in theory all decisions are made by the participants (Burgess, 1997).
The transformative mediation approach differs from problem-solving mediation and allows the mediation process to empower participant’s decision making skills along with mutual recognition. According to authors Bush and Folger, empowering the participants during mediations allows them to “define their own issues and to seek solutions on their own” (Burgess, 1997). Since conflict tends to be a long term process, transformative mediation provides an opportunity for growth and transformation. Empowerment paves the way for a mutually agreed up on settlement to their current problem, and empowers the participants to use the tools during future disputes. The participants, not necessarily the mediator, become primarily responsible for the outcome (Folberg, 2004).
The first stage to the STAR approach is for the mediator to convene with and bring the participants to the negotiation table, and this step is considered to take place at an earlier stage in the process. According to Mediator and Author, Judy Cohen, “mediators, or other convenors, can use pre-session preparation to ensure that all parties understand the process and can part...

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...tionships. A transformative mediator would approach the closing stage by applauding the small steps that have taken place, as well as bigger steps that can occur during mediation. Transformative mediation will emphasize relationship-building, empowerment, and recognition much more than obtaining a settlement (Burgess, 1997).

References
Burgess, H. (1997). Transformative Mediation. Transformative Mediation. Retrieved May
13, 2014, from http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/transform/tmall.htm3
Cohen, J. (2003, July 1). Convening for Enhanced Self-Determination and Access to the Process.
Convening for Enhanced Self-Determination and Access to the Process. Retrieved May
13, 2014, from http://www.mediate.com/articles/cohen6.cfm
Folberg, J., Milne, A.L., & Salem, P. (2004). Divorce and family mediation: models, techniques, and applications. New York: Guilford Press.

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