Podcasts, powerpoints and/or papers from the presentations are available to LEADR members and
'kon gres 2011 participants via a password protected area. Click here >>

Learn and share about techniques of value for sessions prior to the joint mediation especially for clients who will have an ongoing relationship such as in family matters and workplace.

What do workplace disputes and parental conflict have in common from a mediator’s perspective? It is likely that the lasting success of any agreement a mediator can help such parties to reach will depend on whether the process takes them closer to a respectful, workable relationship. Without this agreements often don’t last.

This workshop will focus on techniques to assist parties to move from a ‘blame the other’ approach to doing their part in re-crafting an improved relationship.

Kathy’s practise is to conduct a thorough assessment/coaching session with clients prior to the joint session. Further coaching or pre-mediation sessions may be also be conducted with one or both parties if it would seem that they would benefit from further encouragement and strategies to help them to engage constructively in the joint session. The techniques will include:

• listening empathetically to allow venting of anger or sadness and possible explanation and discussion of stages of grief or loss
• the ethos of forgiveness
• setting the framework for a conciliatory approach – the change paradigm
• communication coaching (ie- assertiveness, active listening, ...)
• discussions around power issues (with the more powerful party)
• the power of apologies and how they can be delivered without admitting  fault.

As mediators we learn so much from each other. This workshop aims to provoke participants thinking around their approaches to preparing people for mediation. Kathy will explain the techniques she employs and some underpinning theories. Participants will then work in groups selecting a case study based on either a workplace or a parenting dispute. Expect stimulating discussion around these techniques. Contributions from the practice of workshop participants will be encouraged. A whole group session will follow the small group work.

Podcast: Listen to Kathy talk about this session pre-kon gres (7 mins) >>

Kathy maintains her professional equilibrium through singing in the local union choir, growing vegies, riding her bike and involvement with her Insight Dialogue group, a Buddhist oriented meditation practise.