There’s no doubt about it; conflict is hard. It can create friction in our relationships, tension in our bodies, and turbulence in our lives. And yet, when we make the choice to turn toward the conflicts in our lives, it has the potential to strengthen relationships, catalyze growth, and open up new possibilities for resolution that seemed unimaginable.
Take a look below to learn what it's like to do conflict mediation with Crossing the Flood.
Take a look below to learn what it's like to do conflict mediation with Crossing the Flood.
Why Choose Conflict Mediation
It takes courage to turn toward the fire of conflict. And yet so much good can come of it.
- Deeper relationships.
- Resolution of emotional tension.
- More self-awareness
- Getting to say what needs to be said
- Getting to be heard by the person/people who need to hear you.
- Identifying solutions all parties can agree to.
- Renewing a sense of strength and security in yourself.
At Crossing the Flood, we walk alongside our clients on the path to resolution. We deescalate tension, support honest sharing and active listening, name and bring attention to power dynamics, ask questions to get to the root of the issue and help navigate the conversation toward resolution and reconciliation.
What’s It Like to Be in Mediation
Our approach starts with a preliminary assessment and continues with live facilitated dialogues and one-on-one conflict coaching. Read on below for more information on each component.
Intake & Assessment
First, your mediator will meet with each party involved in the conflict for one-on-one intake calls of up to an hour to build rapport; get to know each person’s experience and perspective; explain the mediation process; and gather information about the conflict.
After completing intake, mediators will review the information gathered and form an assessment about the best way to proceed. At this time you will receive a written report back with a brief assessment and recommended next steps. Mediation can be a powerful tool for moving through conflict, but is not appropriate in all contexts. Most importantly, successful mediation requires that all parties be willing to sit down together for an honest conversation. If your mediator assesses that mediation is a good fit, they will schedule the first mediation sessions at this time. If not, they will report back with recommendations of alternate approaches for addressing this conflict.
Mediation
Mediation sessions last 1.5-2 hrs and offer powerful opportunities for all parties to speak their truths, be heard in new ways, and gain new perspective on where other parties are coming from. All sessions start with a short grounding exercise and review of ground rules. Then each person is given uninterrupted time to share their personal perspective on the conflict. From there, we’ll choose a topic or two to focus on in our time together. Some mediations end in development of agreements and next steps, others resolve when tension in the relationship has been eased, misunderstandings clarified, and trust rebuilt. Some conflicts are resolved in one session, others need more time and breathing room. Our approach is to schedule up to three sessions depending on the needs of clients and how the conflict evolves.
Coaching
Most conflicts take 2-3 sessions to resolve. In between each, your mediator will be available for one-on-one coaching with all parties, offering a space to reflect on what happened, what you’re learning, and what you will try next. In these spaces we’ll also review and practice tools for active listening and conscious communication.