Importance Of Facilitative Mediation

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Facilitative mediation, according to Zumeta, “is an approach in which the mediator structures a process to assist the parties in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution” (Zumeta, 2000, as cited in Folberg, Milne, & Salem, 2004, pg. 32). The mediator is dedicated to the overall process of the mediation, rather than the outcome. This “process oriented” approach to mediation ensures the clients are the center of the process, communication is central, and the talks are interest based rather than position based. (Mayer, Bernard, as cited in Folberg, Milne, & Salem, 2004, pg. 32).
Each five of the stages on the STAR mediation chart is broken down into task, action, and result. The task is the mediator’s objective and what he or she is trying to …show more content…

In this stage the parties begin the communication process, talking with one another as the mediator encourages expression (Mayer, Bernard, as cited in Folberg, Milne, & Salem, 2004, pg. 45). Here, the parties will give their opening statements, the mediator begins setting the agenda, and identify the interests and issues of the parties (Mayer, Bernard, as cited in Folberg, Milne, & Salem, 2004, pg. 45). A facilitative mediator will set a framework which allows each party to tell their individual stories and will act as a facilitator of communication. The task in this stage is to give the parties the opportunity to explain their issues and interests and for the mediator to carefully listen. This will continue throughout the mediation process. The action to complete this task is allowing the parties to meet with the mediator separately in the early stages and then moving towards group sessions once both feel prepared and comfortable enough. A facilitative mediator will also reframe and redefine the issues that are uncovered in order to get to the root or the underlying issues (Mayer, Bernard, as cited in Folberg, Milne, & Salem, 2004, pg. 45). The result of the communicating stage is all parties have the chance to share their stories, explain their interests and concerns, and feel encouraged to continue the

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