| Abstract: | Conclusion Mediation of conflict in couples has emerged as a hybrid discipline blending theory and practice from psychology, law and other disciplines. In attempting to orchestrate a successful negotiation, mediators engage the couple in problem solving over concrete issues and workable alternatives. While the healing aspirations of couples therapists transcend the narrower focus of mediation, clinical practice is enriched and informed by facilitating a negotiation that provides valuable data in an economic manner and a rich context for therapeutic intervention.
Michael Meltsner is Distinguished University Professor of Law at Northeastern University Law School, 400 Huntington Ave., Boston, Mass. 02115, and a licensed marriage and family therapist.This article is based on a paper presented at the Cambridge Hospital/Harvard Medical School Conference  Treating Couples and Their Families, Cambridge, Mass., 26 October 1991. I am grateful for the thoughtful comments of Barbara Hauser and the encouragement of the Couples Team of the Family Center, Somerville, Mass. |
