Mediation - by Freddie Strasser & Paul Randolph Paperback

About the Book

This book is about conflict resolution through mediation, from a psychological perspective. Although written in part from the point of view of litigation, the objective is to demonstrate how an appreciation of the psychological aspects of conflict and an understanding of the emotional strategies people adopt in dispute situations can assist both lawyers and non-lawyers in resolving conflicts.

Book Synopsis

This book is about conflict resolution through mediation, from a psychological perspective. Although written in part from the point of view of litigation, the objective is to demonstrate how an appreciation of the psychological aspects of conflict and an understanding of the emotional strategies people adopt in dispute situations can assist both lawyers and non-lawyers in resolving conflicts.

The book consists of three sections- a theoretical analysis of conflict and conflict resolution; a practical, legal and experiential explanation of mediation; and thirdly a series of mock mediations, comprehensively analysed from the viewpoint of the mediator and the parties, providing tips and guidance on the dilemmas and pitfalls that mediators encounter.

Review Quotes

"Drawing upon their considerable experience, the authors apply existential psychotherapeutic wisdom into novel territory with clarity. The knowledge and skills on offer in this book, although aimed at facilitating mediation in legal settings, can readily be applied to any situation characterised by conflict ... One of this book's biggest plus points is that it does more than it 'says on the tin'. With its emphasis on understanding conflict, the book can be used in personal life, at work, in schools or in court." --Sanja Oakley in Existential Analysis

"'Conflict mediation has never been given the serious consideration that it deserves, perhaps because it runs against the traditionally adversarial ethos of the legal profession. Now, in this groundbreaking work, Freddie Strasser and Paul Randolph get serious about mediation. They convincingly argue that mediation is, in effect, a form of psychological counselling and that mediators should avail themselves of the wealth of theoretical knowledge and pragmatic wisdom that this field has to offer. I cannot imagine that anyone seriously involved with the emotionally fraught world of mediation could fail to be inspired and informed by this thoughtful and eminently practical book. --David Livingstone Smith, Ph.D. Professor at University of New England.Director, New England Institute for Cognitive Science and Evolutionary Psychology" --Blurb from reviewer

"'Mediation services are a major part of the Government's commitment to encourage the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution to reduce the pressure in the courts. This book highlights the advantages of mediation - not only that it saves lengthy and costly legal proceedings in the civil courts, but also that it has a crucial role in the community in general. The authors have clearly demonstrated that, through an understanding of the nature of conflict, and by preventing disputes multiplying or escalating, mediation can be a valuable tool in promoting social cohesion.' --Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC" --Blurb from reviewer

About the Author

Freddie Strasser PhD, MA, AdvDipExPsych, UKCPReg, BACP AccC, BAC AccS . He is an Honorary Fellow of the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent s College, and Director of the School s ADR programme. He is also a lecturer, supervisor and psychotherapist in private practice. He was one of the first to establish existential time limited therapy, as well as one of the first to bring essential aspects of psychotherapy into mediation. He has written numerous journal articles, is the co-author, with his daughter Alison, of Existential Time Limited Therapy (1977), and the author of Emotions (1999) Barrister. Called to the Bar 1971. Accredited Mediator (CEDR) 1999. Specialisation: Professional Negligence and Personal Injury law. Practice also includes Contract, Employment, Construction, Insolvency, and Property law. Mediation experience in a wide range of Commercial, Professional Negligence, Personal Injury, Property, Boundary, and Family Financial disputes. Designer, Co-Producer, Lecturer and Joint Leader, of the unique Mediation Training Course at the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent s College, London, incorporating psychotherapeutic skills into Mediation. Member of the Bar Council ADR Committee. Trainer mediator on the Bar Council ADR Seminars. Author of several articles on Mediation. Lectured on Mediation throughout the UK to barristers, solicitors, local government and other organisations, and to judges and lawyers in Rome, Budapest, and Riga.