"Many case studies are used to illustrate the most effective mediation approaches." (Juvenile and Family Court Journal, Spring 2002)
"Written by a practitioner for practitioners, this book provides a theoretical framework for the process decisions we make as mediators and then offers specific tools and strategies. Especially beneficial for those without a psychological background, this reference guide explores how mediators' understanding of family dynamics and systems has a direct impact on the effectiveness of our interventions. An excellent guide for the beginning or experienced mediator." — Nina Meierding, past president, Academy of Family Mediators
Alison Taylor-- mediator, family therapist, author, teacher, and trainer-- is an Oregon Licensed Professional Counselor and teaches mediation-related courses to students and professionals at Portland State University and Marylhurst University. She is coauthor of Mediation: A Comprehensive Guide to Resolving Conflicts Without Litigation and The Making of a Mediator: Developing Artistry in Practice, both from Jossey-Bass.
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
PART ONE: PRACTICAL THEORY.
1. Understanding Family Dynamics.
Assessing the Family from the Systemic View.
Basic Tenets of FamilySystems Theory.
The Change Process from a Family SystemsPerspective.
Normalcy, Health, and Dysfunction.
Dynamics of Personal and Family Development.
Alliances, Legacies, andSecrets 40.
Resilience and the Current Dilemma.
2. Understanding Family Conflict.
The Multiple Levels of Family Conflicts.
Conflict Emergence andIntervention.
Analyzing Family Conflicts.
Reaction to Conflict: Anger,Indignation, and Aggression.
How Families Fight.
Negotiation Within Mediation.
Face-Saving in Family Conflict.
3. Family Mediation Models and Approaches.
Models and Approaches: A Definition.
Stage Theory Models.
Problem-Solving and Negotiative Approaches.
Procedural Models.
Therapeutic Models.
Transformative Approaches.
NarrativeMediation Models.
Interactive Approaches.
Neutrality ConceptsAcross Models.
Eclecticism, Integration, and Personalizing Models.
4. Family Mediation Skills and Techniques.
Case Assessment and Formulation.
Shaping Client Sessions forEffectiveness.
Mediating with Multiple Family Members.
Caucusing.
Power Balancing.
Neutrality and ClientSelf-Determination.
Transforming Impasses.
PART TWO: FAMILY MEDIATION PROCESSES.
5. Special Case Issues.
Control, Abuse, and Violence.
Mental Health Concerns.
Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect.
Framing Agreements forSpecial Issues Cases.
6. Ethics and Standards, Confidentiality and Privilege.
Ethics and Standards.
Confidentiality and PrivilegedCommunication.
7. Cultural Issues in Family Mediation.
Family Culture.
Assessment of Cultural Factors.
Identity,Adaptation, and Assimilation.
The Mediator?s Cultural Perspectives.
African American Families in Mediation.
Hispanic CulturalThemes.
Asian Perspectives.
Gay and Lesbian Families.
Ethics and Practice Standards for Cultural Issues.
8. Interfacing with Other Professionals and Parties.
Continuity-of-Care Continuum.
Involving Children and OtherParties.
Working with Advocates and Attorneys.
Individualand Marital Therapists.
PART THREE: SPECIALIZED PRACTICES IN FAMILY MEDIATION.
9. Marital Mediation, Conciliation, and Prenuptial Agreements.
Conciliation: Mediating the Problems of Staying Together.
MaritalMediation Assessment.
Themes of Attachment, Love, and Trust.
Defining the Relationship by Agreement.
Creating AppropriateConsequences.
Prenuptial Agreements: More Than Money.
10. Divorce Mediation.
The Divorce Mediator?s Role.
Mandatory and Voluntary Mediation.
Married Versus Unmarried Separations.
Complete Divorces orParenting Issues Only.
Describing a Case Using an InteractiveModel.
Integrating Children into the Process.
PostdivorceConcerns and Modifications.
11. Parent-Teen Mediation.
Service Provision Considerations.
Power Dynamics During Sessions.
Speaking Naturally.
Practice Dimensions.
Classic Parent-TeenMediation: Pam and Suzie.
Sequential Family Mediations: The Kents.
Victim-Offender Youth Programs: The Nguyens.
12.Adoption, Abuse, and Placement Cases.
Fitting the Model to the Situation.
Confidentiality and Privileged Communi-cations.
Power Dynamics in Placement Cases.
Child Protection andPlacement Cases.
Adoption.
13.Elder Care and Family Medical Concerns.
Mediable Disputes for Elders and Ill and Disabled People.
Issues ofthe Elderly Population.
Power Issues in Medical Disputes ConcerningElders.
Mediating Family Medical Issues.
Mediating AdultGuardianship.
Case Example: Out-of-Home Placement for an AgingParent.
Case Example: Placement and Medical Treatment Dilemmas.
Case Example: Postprocedure Medical Complaint.
Case Example:Adult Guardianship of a Disabled Sister.
Appendix A: Household Map.
Appendix B: Report of the Academy of Family MediatorsTask Force on Spousal and Child Abuse.
Appendix C: Control, Abuse, and Domestic Violence Screener.
Appendix D: Parenting Plan Rationale and Matrix.
Appendix E: Budget Sheet.
References.
The Author.
Index.