This training focuses on Adult Guardianship and Family Caregiver Mediation. Learn the differences between other types of mediation and elder mediation. In this training, we will focus on the mediator's responsibility toward inclusion of the older person's voice in the mediation and techniques to achieve that. At the conclusion of the training, you will be prepared to organize and perform elder mediations. » Details

This training combines basic mediation and elder mediation skills. It provides practice opportunity for pre-mediation meetings, listening skills, identifying and framing issues, negotiation strategies, and agreement writing within the context of elder mediation. The elder mediation components include skill building exercises and discussion on a range of topics. » Details

We can provide a half or whole day training in program design and development for elder and probate mediation. This training is meant for organizations setting up programs with probate courts and the aging network. The training may include contacting local stakeholders, outreach, education, ethical considerations, procedures and policies. If your agency or group is interested in setting up Elder Mediation programs in your locality, this is the training for you.

Framing issues is a powerful mediator tool that is often given short shrift in basic training. Take this skill to a new level and improve your efficiency and effectiveness. How is framing different from re-framing? Are there new approaches to framing issues? How do the "pros" frame issues? This workshop will include discussion, video, and role play. Take a look at our free online course to see a sample of the information covered in this workshop.

This workshop can be 1-3 days, depending on the needs of the sponsoring organization. Based on the book and training Great Meetings, Great Results by Dee Kelsey and Pam Plumb, the workshop will go in depth into the role of the facilitator, the role of the scribe, and tools and techniques for facilitating group discussion and decision-making. The workshop includes practice sessions. This workshop is appropriate for anyone who would like to facilitate meetings, beginner or experienced facilitator.

Power imbalances create significant challenges. They are difficult to detect and more difficult to address. This training/workshop will look at defining and recognizing power imbalance and lack of power; screening for non-domestic violence power imbalances; problems power imbalances cause; handling power imbalances and lack of power in mediation; the role of attorneys where there are power imbalances and use of collaborative professionals where there are power imbalances.

This workshop explores domestic violence where the harm is not physical. The video It’s Not Like I Hit Her is featured, showing tactics such as verbal, emotional and economic abuse. Screening for non-physical abuse and the ramifications of non-physical abuse for mediation will be demonstrated and discussed.

Two sets of videos showing comparative mediation techniques on the part of Zena Zumeta, JD and Jonathan Muth, JD, both highly regarded mediators in Michigan. Zena Zumeta uses the facilitative style in mostly joint sessions; Jon Muth uses the evaluative style in mostly caucus sessions. Moosewood 1 focuses on the partnership issues and Moosewood 2 focuses on the monetary and dissolution issues. These are up-to-the-minute dynamic tapes that will make the advanced training come alive. This unique workshop features multimedia presentations, facilitated group discussions, and built-in time to get your questions answered. At the end of the workshop, Zena will ask participants to mediate portions of the tapes from their own approaches to these issues for even more comparisons of styles. The Moosewood DVDs are available from our store.

Most domestic relations mediators either always use caucus or almost never use caucus. In basic training, caucus is often an overlooked technique. This workshop looks at the process of caucusing in domestic relation mediations reasons to/not to caucus, understanding of dilemmas and challenges in caucusing, techniques for successful caucusing, and timing of caucuses. It includes discussion of caucusing when attorneys are present in the mediation as well as when only the clients are present in mediation. Where time permits, this workshop includes practice exercises.

In the past, mediators have wanted to do their work with lawyers in the background. This has often resulted in lawyers distrusting mediation. This workshop will present a protocol for working with lawyers as part of a team and inviting them to be part of the main act. The goal is more appreciation of mediation by attorneys and more appreciation of attorneys by mediators.

How do mediation and spirituality intersect? Is mediation inherently spiritual? Can it help the mediator become spiritual or grow in spirituality? Can it help the clients? What is spirituality anyway? This workshop will touch on these issues and more.

This interactive session will address issues such as dealing with power imbalance, managing third parties and attorneys; and dealing with tough ethical dilemmas in mediation. The format will include discussion and fishbowl role play demonstration by the instructor.

Experienced mediators are often asked to co-mediate or observe new mediators. What are effective coaching and mentoring methods? How important are differences in style between the mentor and the mediator? What are the difficulties likely to be encountered, and methods of getting beyond these difficulties? What do mediators want and expect of their mentors and coaches? The presentation will include discussion, demonstration, and role play.

Experienced mediators are often asked to coach in mediation trainings. It is important for them to understand their roles and to gain techniques for maximum effectiveness in training new mediators. What are effective coaching and mentoring methods? How important are differences in style between the coach and the mediator? What are the difficulties likely to be encountered, and methods of getting beyond these difficulties? What do mediators want and expect of their coaches? The presentation will include discussion, demonstration, and role play.

Mediators make superior group facilitators, because they know how to use process and stay out of content. This workshop will discuss the differences between mediation and facilitation. It will introduce the process and give time for participants to practice.

This training will provide experienced mediators with the necessary skills and information to mediate parent/grandparent/child disputes which may include rules/curfew issues, communication issues, family relations, incorrigibility, education issues, and running away.

This training will focus on issues between teens and their caregivers who may be relatives other than parents. Issues between parents and caregivers will be included.

This training covers communication issues, dealing with power dynamics in family mediation, impasses in mediation and case discussions and mediation fish bowl.