Fran Brochstein of FamilyLaw4U.com and Tye Bourdony of CPLSPA.com joined Mac and Natalia of OlowskaPierre.com to discuss emotions in mediations. They explain in simple words and show practical examples of how a good mediator can create a safe place for the mediating parties, even if difficult emotions come into play. It's not just about showing empathy or allowing parties to vent - it is also about leading them through understanding the emotions and making the parties at ease with whatever they are going through to help them reach an agreement. Amongst practical solutions, Douglas Noll's concepts of emotional validation, deep listening and de-escalation are being mentioned (see another video on this podcast with Doug Noll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzDQYVc_dtI) as well as some other tools available to mediators, like caucus mediation (placing the parties in different rooms to mediate separately), working closer on improving communication between the parties or simply taking a break.
