People have integrity and wish to have positive connections with others. We are all capable of change.The greatest needs for inter personal mediation stem from issues of respect, equality and trust.
Empowerment
People can and should make decisions about their own lives. Transformative mediators utilize a vast range of strategies to encourage parties towards self empowerment and to think for themselves.Mediators are not judges nor are they arbitrators. The parties to the conflict decide their outcomes.
Ownership & responsibility
The people involved in a conflict, are in the best position to reach resolution.The parties are continuously encouraged to accept responsibility for their behaviour and choices. (moving from blame to contribution)Mediators present and control the process, yet the parties are people responsible for the content and the outcomes of mediation.
Voluntarism
Parties always have a choice as to whether or not to enter, participate or continue in mediation. One of the foundations of mediation is the right of the parties to decide if they are willing to voluntarily participate.
Confidentiality
Mediators do not reveal anything they hear in a mediation session unless authorized by the parties unless outlined in the memorandum of understanding or mediation agreement
Impartiality
There is always more than one side to a story (usually more sides than parties). Mediator’s role is not to take sides but to assist the parties listen to each other.The aim is to achieve a win/win collaborative outcome that is long lasting for all.
Future-focused
Mediators do not provide counsel or advice. Mediators listen to the party’s explanation of past events and help the parties move forward by being future focussed.
