Training and Workshops

Custom-Tailored Training

Conflict is a normal part of organizational life. The Mediation Center offers specialized training to help staff understand the nature of conflict, different conflict response styles, how to analyze rather than react to conflict, and techniques for intervening in conflict situations. We are always happy to tailor our trainings to meet your organization's specific needs. The Mediation Center offers training for:

• Businesses
• Universities and Colleges
• Hospitals
• Not-For-Profit Organizations
• Governmental Entities
• Schools
• Faith Communities

The first step is a consultation with one of our trainers to assess your objectives and develop a proposal. Contact The Mediation Center today at (585) 586-1830.

Mediation Training: A Facilitative Approach or A Transformative Approach

Mediation involves a neutral person specially trained in conflict situations assisting parties to reach resolution. However, there are different approaches to conflict intervention and different styles of mediation.

Facilitative Mediationis based upon a theory of conflict as a problem. If the problem could be solved and the parties underlying interests met, conflict would be resolved. Facilitative Mediation involves identifying each parties' interests and needs, their common interests, defining problems in ways which help ensure resolution, creative problem-solving, and reaching agreements which are win-win. The Mediation Center will offer a two-day Facilitative Mediation Training October 7 & 8, 2010 in Victor, NY.

Transformative Mediation holds that conflict occurs when there is an imbalance in relationship. People need to meet both their individual needs and their need for relationship, but when strong emotions take hold, parties often become weak, confused, and unable to recognize the other party and his or her needs. Intervention techniques involve empowerment and recognition, helping each party to gain clarity so that they can reach decisions which meet both their individual needs and their relational needs. The Mediation Center will offer a two-day Transformative Mediation Training September 16 & 17, 2010 in Victor, NY.

For more information about either training or to be put on a mailing list for upcoming trainings, call The Center at (585) 586-1830 or fill out the form below.

42-Hour Family and Divorce Mediation Training 

The first step in becoming a family and divorce mediator is completion of the 42-hour course. Topics covered include understanding conflict and methodologies for its resolution, parenting plans, distribution of marital assets and liabilities, support arrangements, domestic violence, the use of supporting professionals, continuing education and credentialing, and establishment of private practice. The Mediation Center offers the training twice per year in June and November. The next available training is: November 4-6, 12 & 13 in Victor, NY. To be put on a mailing list for upcoming trainings or to receive more information, call The Center at (585) 586-1830 or fill out the form below.  

Practicum Opportunities

Upon completion of the 42-hour course, students are encouraged to participate in a practicum. Completion of the practicum provides students with an opportunity to observe an Advanced Practitioner complete a divorce mediation, to co-mediate with an Advanced Practitioner, and to have supervision when mediating on their own. In addition to the invaluable opportunity to train with an Advanced Practitioner, the practicum allows students to begin the steps needed to be recognized by ACR as an Advanced Practitioner and to become accredited by the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation.