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Accredited 60-Hour
Foundation Learning Program in Mediation

Mediation is an age-old conflict resolution approach that enables parties to work together with a neutral third party, known as a mediator, to communicate effectively, identify their interests, and create mutually beneficial agreements.

Upasana Singh

Founder & CEO, AcIn

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Our Accredited 60-Hour Learning Program in Mediation builds on this tradition of mediation by providing comprehensive, hands-on training that equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to become an effective mediator. Our program covers the theory and practice of mediation, including communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, and ethical considerations. Whether you're a lawyer, business professional, educator, or anyone else who wants to help others resolve their disputes in a peaceful and productive way, our program can help you achieve your goals. Also, it focuses on creating a culture where mediation skills are perceived as life skills and not just an addition to the professional profile of an individual. It is curated in a manner that makes it suitable for students/professionals/academicians from non-legal backgrounds.

Overview of the Program

The training program is designed for individuals who want to develop their mediation skills or work as professional mediators. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of mediation, as well as practical tools and techniques that can be applied in various settings. The program is structured in the following session.

  1. Mediation 101: This session will cover the basics of what mediation is, how it works, and its benefits. Also, laws related to mediation, including its legal status, its place in the justice delivery system, and the rules and regulations governing its practice will be discussed. The session will cover multiple types and styles of mediation and the basic tenets of mediation.

  2. Understanding Conflict: In this session, the delegates will learn about the different types of conflicts, the causes of conflict, the stages of a conflict, and the various techniques and strategies that can be used to manage and resolve conflicts. They will also be taught to recognize and address issues such as power imbalances, emotions, and communication breakdowns, which can contribute to conflict. By having a deeper understanding of conflict, the mediator can help the parties to identify and explore the root causes of the conflict and work towards finding a mutually acceptable solution. There will be roleplaying exercises, case studies, and group discussions to provide delegates with practical experience in handling different types of conflicts.

  3. Mediation process: In this session, we will explore the stages and process of mediation. Participants will gain an understanding of the different stages of mediation and the skills necessary to guide parties through the process. Also, the session will discuss the pre-mediation stage, where mediators establish contact with parties, explain the process, and gather necessary information

  4. Effective Communication Part- I- In this session will focus on the crucial role of communication in mediation, including nonverbal communication and venue and setup. The aim is to help participants understand the importance of effective communication in mediation and the impact of nonverbal cues on communication. Participants will learn about the various communication barriers in mediation, and effective strategies to overcome them.

  5. Effective Communication Part-II- This session will focus on effective communication strategies in mediation, including techniques such as Summarizing, Rephrasing, Neutralizing, Shifting from position to interest, and the art of asking questions. The participants will also explore strategies for communicating effectively in situations of power imbalance, demonstrating empathy and active listening skills.

  6. Active Listening- In this session, we will focus on the critical skill of active listening in mediation. Active listening involves fully concentrating on what the speaker is saying and actively seeking to understand their perspective. We will explore the importance of active listening in mediation, the different types of listening, and common listening barriers. Through practical exercises and role-plays, participants will learn effective techniques for active listening and how to use it to build rapport, establish trust, and promote understanding between the parties.

  7. Mindfulness and Check-in- These sessions on mindfulness and check-ins will focus on the importance of mindfulness practices and check-ins in mediation. The aim is to help participants understand how mindfulness can increase their awareness of their own biases and improve their ability to listen actively during mediation. Check-ins can also facilitate the establishment of trust and rapport between parties. These sessions will provide participants with practical techniques to incorporate mindfulness practices and check-ins into their mediation process, which will enhance their ability to facilitate constructive communication and foster a mutually satisfactory resolution.

  8. Opening Statement- his day-long session on opening statements in mediation training will involve interactive role-play exercises where participants will have the opportunity to practice and refine their skills in making effective opening statements. Through these exercises, participants will learn the importance of setting the tone, building rapport, and establishing trust with parties in conflict.

  9. Techniques and Tools of Negotiation- In this session, participants will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of negotiation, including interest-based negotiation. They will learn various techniques and tools for successful negotiations, such as active listening, reframing, and brainstorming options for mutual gain. The session will also involve hands-on practice through role-play scenarios to simulate real-life negotiation situations. By the end of this session, participants will have a better understanding of how to approach negotiations, build relationships, and create win-win solutions.

  10. Documents in Mediation- In a mediation training session on documents, participants will learn about the various types of documents that may be used in mediation, such as agreements, contracts, and other legal documents.

  11. The Principles and Ethics in Mediation- A session on principles and ethics would cover the fundamental values that guide the mediation process and the ethical responsibilities of mediators. It would emphasize the importance of impartiality, confidentiality, informed consent, and self-determination. Mediators would be trained to recognize and manage conflicts of interest, avoid bias, and promote transparency in their interactions with parties. Ethical dilemmas and challenges in mediation would be discussed, along with strategies for resolving them. The goal of this session would be to ensure that mediators operate with integrity, respect, and fairness, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their practice.

  12. Role Plays and Simulations- Role plays are a critical component of mediation training, providing opportunities for trainees to practice their skills in a safe, controlled environment. Over the course of approximately 20 hours, participants engage in simulated mediation sessions, taking turns playing the roles of mediator, disputant, and observer. Through these exercises, trainees learn to effectively manage the mediation process, build rapport with parties, identify issues and interests, generate and evaluate options, and facilitate constructive dialogue. Role plays also allow for feedback and coaching from instructors and peers, helping trainees develop a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. By immersing themselves in realistic scenarios, participants can gain confidence and practical experience, preparing them to handle the challenges of real-world mediations.

  13. Dealing with Impasse in a Mediation- A session on Dealing with Impasses in Mediation would focus on developing strategies and techniques to navigate and overcome impasses that may arise during the mediation process. Mediators will learn how to identify the root causes of an impasse, and how to use active listening, reframing, and brainstorming to generate creative solutions. Additionally, mediators will learn how to manage emotions and power imbalances that can contribute to impasses, and how to facilitate difficult conversations that can lead to breakthroughs. By equipping mediators with the skills and knowledge to effectively address impasses, this session can help ensure successful mediation outcomes and promote greater satisfaction for all parties involved.

  14. Way forward as a Mediator- In a session on way forward as a mediator, the focus would be on how to apply the newly acquired skills and knowledge after the training. The session would discuss the importance of continued learning and development of the mediator's skills, the establishment of a support network, and the development of a personal development plan. The session would also explore the various options available to mediators for continuing their professional development, such as attending advanced training courses, joining professional organizations, and seeking mentoring or coaching. The goal of the session would be to empower mediators with the knowledge and tools they need to continue to grow and develop as effective mediators beyond the initial training.

  15. Assessment- To be eligible for the final assessment, delegates must participate in the minimum number of sessions. The assessment will consist of a video recording of the opening statement, a final assessment by an independent assessor on the final day of the training, and an online test with multiple-choice questions. Delegates will receive instructions on how to submit their video recording during the training. Successful completion of the final assessment is a crucial step towards becoming a certified mediator, and delegates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in mediation skills and knowledge.

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