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Multimedia Review: Part II
Mediation Training: Family Dispute Resolution: Series 1/Basic Family Mediation Skill
Tony Gee
Psychologist; Counsellor, Relationships Australia, VIC
Article Text
Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) has put together a 3 x DVD set of mediation practice skills for use in mediation training and, I would also presume, ongoing professional development. The set covers three different cases, with each case emphasising specific aspects of mediation practice. Viewers are also treated to the skills of several mediators, all of whom are very experienced professionals who have worked in the field for many years. The present review focuses on the first DVD in the set, which is based around basic mediations skills and aimed at beginner mediators. The further two DVDs will be reviewed at a later time.
It must be commented that the overall production, sound and filming is first-class. I suspect many mediators are tired of scratchy, ‘camera in the corner’ filmed sessions. I remember a somewhat famous video of a well-known figure on the international scene who actually sat clients almost touching to fit them into the camera angle. Unfortunately it was a matter concerning sexual harassment! Thankfully production has come a long way since then.
The overall product is also impressive in the obvious preparation and thought that has gone into the cases and the aspects of mediation exampled. Crafted in such a meticulous manner, in many respects this parallels good quality mediation practice where the preparation prior to the session (including the mediators’ sense of presence) is so very important. There is a thorough introduction from RAV’s Mediation Practice Leader that ‘sets the scene’ and draws attention to what to look for in what follows. There are summaries at different stages by the mediator, as well as quick ‘grabs’ with the clients about their experience in the process, and some brief scenes from their lives at home. I also liked the manner in which the cases are differentiated. The first matter was seen as ‘low conflict’ and no violence concerns, and the approach taken clearly shown to be different from a case that may have been high conflict and may have involved violence. While this may look very straightforward, it reflects a sophisticated approach where there are not only different mediation strategies employed, but a different approach right from the outset.
DVD 1 demonstrates basis skills clearly and thoroughly. I think it would be extremely helpful for new mediators. There is the assessment, Session One (parenting issues) and Session Two (property). It is well portrayed how good practice in such matters can link sessions seamlessly in an overall process. While the introduction tells us what to look for at the beginning, I would also look out for some of the qualities of the mediator - competence (and thus clients have confidence that matters are capable of resolution), educative and directive at times (in terms of the process) as well as empathic but with a clear emphasis however on the focus of the mediator’s role. The trouble with such an experienced mediator (and reasonable clients) is that it can all look too easy. Ah, but mediators know that this will not always be the case!
The DVD is, as stated, very well crafted, but I warn you that watching it right through is very laborious. The DVD runs for well over three hours so you do get your value in terms of time. It also underscores however, that in actual practice, mediators should always keep in mind the importance of the decisions that we assist clients to make and a very big part of a mediator’s role/responsibility is, in John Wades’ words to 'clarify, clarify, clarify'. It may seem laborious at times, but it is clear, and this demonstration further reinforces the point.
This set should become part of any mediation trainer’s, education facility or mediation agencies training ‘toolbox’. While the first DVD is slow and is basic, it does demonstrate many of the skills involved and can obviously be watched in bits and used for discussion. I also think counsellor/therapists and counselling organisations will find the clear explanatory style and mediation demonstration very useful especially to identify the different processes.
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