A FOCUS ON EMOTION IN MEDIATION TRAINING |
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| Authors: | Mary Elizebeth Lund |
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| Institution: | Mary Elizabeth Lund is a trainer with Mosten Mediation Training in Los Angles. She is also a psychologist who specializes in mediation, evaluation, and therapy with high conflict families. She has done research on divorce at Cambridge University and is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA. |
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| Abstract: | Trainee mediators must learn to understand their own emotions and the emotional reactions of mediation participants to intervene effectively in conflict. Training techniques developed for family and divorce mediation may also apply to training for other types of conflict. Visualization and observation exercises developed a "meta-perspective" on the dynamics of conflict, which can help traines manage their own emotional reactions and think strategically at the same time. Responding to videotaped or role-played emotional reactions from participants can desensitize trainees to conflict. Directing trainees toward information available on the process of divorce or other prolonged conflict can help them respond with more empathy to participants. Attention paid to these emotional issues in mediation training may prevent mediator stress and burnout. |
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