Special Topics in Mediation

Based on feedback from our esteemed Mediation Skills alums, we have put together a series of webinars on topics related to aspects of mediation that beginning and intermediate mediators have found to be particularly challenging.  You can sign up for one, several, or the whole series.  While we will not have a formal screening process, this series is geared to people who already have taken mediation training  (it does not have to be from FMCS) and/or  have conducted or shadowed one or more mediations.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at fmcs-institute@fmcs.gov.

1/9/24     Neuroscience – you have probably heard the term “Fight, Flight or Freeze”, and maybe you have even heard the term “Amygdala hijack” but how do we harness our knowledge of the human brain and body’s response to risk vs safety and conflict vs harmony to help people be better problem-solvers?

 

1/11/24:    High Stakes Emotions –  Sometimes, parties are so hurt/sad/angry/??  that it seems almost impossible to get them thinking about solutions.  In this session, we will provide tools and techniques to build your comfort level and work more effectively in highly emotional mediations.

 

NEW DATE:  1/30/24:  Bias and Triggers –  We are supposed to be objective and neutral, but are we always?  None of us are 100% free of judgments and biases. in this session will cover ways to be more conscious of our own reactions and triggers and learn ways to manage them to remain effective with the parties.

 

2/22/24:    Advanced Mediation Tools – How do you select the right mediator tool when parties reach an impasse or can’t get past the principle of the matter?  This webinar will provide concrete techniques, tools and process adjustments that mediators can make and discuss why, how, and when to use each tool.

 

2/27/24:  Universe of Settlements – Have you ever asked yourself what is legal consideration or what are the possible remedies if this mediation does not settle?  This webinar will provide tips on how to effectively draft legally sufficient settlement agreements, discuss employment and EEO settlement remedies, and provide examples of creative solutions that settled seemingly intractable mediations.

 

2/29/24:  Taking Risks (Mediator Panel Discussion) – What do you do when nothing works? Are there times when we should “break the rules”? Are there rules that should never be broken?  In this session, a panel of experienced mediators will discuss their experiences with risky and unconventional moves they have made to try and help the parties when a conventional approach wasn’t working.

 

The Institute will enforce the following cancellation policy: Cancellations received more than 7 days in advance will be refunded the full amount less a $25.00 processing fee. No-shows and cancellations received less than 7 days before the seminar date are not eligible for a refund. Substitutions may be made at any time.