Transformative mediation aims to empower conflicting parties by instilling mutual recognition. The mediator helps parties determine the appropriate resolution process and develop settlement rules. Meetings are open-ended to relieve stress and emotions are considered integral to the process. Unlike problem-solving mediation, emotions are viewed as related to the issues. Parties are free to pursue other forms of resolution.
Transformative mediation is an approach to conflict intervention that does not seek immediate resolution of an issue. Instead, the mediator usually seeks to instill mutual recognition and empowerment between the conflicting parties. The parties then work with the mediator to determine the appropriate resolution process for their situation.
Acknowledgment is generally considered an important part of transformative mediation so that each party can understand how the other defines the issue. Additionally, the mediator usually brings each party to an understanding of the outcomes desired by all parties involved. This way, both sides can approach the issue with more informed points of view.
An opening statement usually initiates the process of transformative mediation. In this statement, the mediator, acting as a neutral third party, will generally explain the forum where the two parties will discuss their issue. The overall goal is for both parties to reach an agreement that is mutually satisfactory.
Before such a settlement can take place, however, the mediator must first work with the parties to develop settlement rules and processes. Mediators will ask questions and make suggestions about these rules and processes. It is the responsibility of both parties to direct the general conversation and make settlement suggestions.
While other forms of mediation are typically structured around a time frame, meetings for parties using transformative mediation are open-ended. This means that meetings can take as long as they need. Stress is often considered a major cause of disagreement. For example, one party may be stressed about the issue, while the other party may be stressed about what the deal might be. Open-ended meetings are usually meant to relieve stress so parties can focus on collaborating.
Problem-solving mediation is often compared to transformative mediation. Both forms of meditation use collaborative processes to find a deal that is beneficial to the parties involved. Unlike transformative mediation, however, problem-solving mediation sometimes views emotions as unrelated to the issues that need to be resolved.
Emotions are generally considered to be an integral part of the transformative mediation process. This is based on the general assumption that emotions make it easier for different points of view to identify with the parties. In addition to being able to express their emotions freely, both parties are usually also told by the mediator that they may pursue other forms of resolution if they wish.
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