Here is the four-step process toward becoming a Massachusetts qualified mediator with MV Mediation. Schedules and more information on the next pages.
Participate in either the Conflict Coaching or Conflict Essentials foundational course
Participate in Introduction to Mediation – Basics
Participate in Introduction to Mediation—Advanced
Participate in Introduction to Mediation—Practicum & Apprenticeship
Frequently asked questions:
Do I have to do all four segments?
No. Many people take only a foundational course or the Basics section and decide that is enough for them. Others do one segment one year and come back to finish another year. If you want to be qualified to provide mediation services in Massachusetts, you need to participate in all four, unless you have received training in another state or are a member of the MA Bar, in which case your course work will be dependent upon your previous course work and experience.
Who teaches and what kind of courses are they?
All these courses are taught collaboratively by experienced mediators on the MV Mediation roster. The courses are interactive and participatory—this is not a ‘sit and git’ type of experience. Although we do record the course, real time participation is required – with some assignments between sessions. Lots of laughs and some profound moments guaranteed.
I may not be able to pay for the courses up front, is that ok?
Sure. Let us know what your circumstances are, and we will work something out. We want all interested people and particularly those from underserved populations to participate. Possible scholarships for those from immigrant, indigenous, youth and people of color communities.
Who takes these courses?
About one third of those who take courses end up adding themselves to the MV Mediation mediation or coaching roster. Others use the skills and techniques in their work, family and community lives. As one participant said, “We should have learned this stuff in second grade!”
How do I register?
Go to our website and sign up—there’s a general sign-up form and you can fill in which course you are registering for. Or call/email us to chat—information below.
Foundational Courses
Mediators-in-training • please take one or both foundational courses
Conflict Coaching
Learn the process of one-on-one coaching. Conflict Coaches work with motivated individuals toward new everyday conflict management approaches. This is a participatory and dynamic course – all participants will engage in their own conflict coaching to learn the process from the client perspective.
Materials Provided. Additional Suggested texts:
Cinnie Noble – Conflict Mastery—Questions to Guide You
Marcia Reynolds – Coach the Person—Not the Problem
Conflict Coaching |
15 hours – 6 sessions | ||
| 15 hours 6 sessions |
Mondays 10 AM - 12:30 PM |
9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/17 |
$150-$300 |
| Session One Monday, September 13 |
Coaching, Conflict, Ethics, Overview | ||
| Session Two Monday, September, 20 |
Intake, Introduction, Entry, Discourse | ||
| Session Three Monday, September 27, 2021 |
Goals, Questions, Notes, Listening | ||
| Session Four Monday, October 4 |
Needs, Identity, Values, Language | ||
| Session Five Monday, October 11 |
Analysis, Reflection, Preparation, Mutuality | ||
| Session Six Monday, October 18 |
Heartcheck, Options, Planning, Revelation | ||
Conflict ESSENTIALS
Analyze conflicts, review life’s messages about conflict and gain strategies for use in daily life. Participants will use real life conflicts and conflict resolution methodology to support becoming everyday conflict resolvers.
Materials Provided. Additional Suggested texts:
William Ury – Getting to Yes and/or Getting to Yes with Yourself
Stone, Patton, Heen – Difficult Conversations
Conflict Essentials |
15 hours – 10 sessions | ||
| 15 hours 10 sessions |
Tuesdays 4 PM - 5:30 PM |
9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7 |
$150-$300 |
| Session One Tuesday, September 21 |
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| Session Two Tuesday, September 28 |
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| Session Three
Tuesday, October 5 |
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| Session Four Tuesday, October 19 |
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| Session Five Tuesday, October 26 |
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| Session Six Tuesday, November 2 |
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| Session Seven Tuesday, November 16 |
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| Session Eight Tuesday, November 23 |
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| Session Nine Tuesday, November 30 |
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| Session Ten Tuesday, December 7 |
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Mediation BasicS
First of three required sections to be Massachusetts qualified as court or community mediator
Introduction to Mediation Basics
Learn the principles and process of facilitative mediation in an interactive and hands-on process. Participants engage in role plays, video review, reading and lively discussions as they learn the basic tenets of community mediation.
Materials Provided. Additional Suggested texts:
Beer, Packard & Broadfield – The Mediator’s Handbook
David Hoffman et al – Mediation: A Practice Guide
| Introduction to Mediation Basics | 15 hours – 6 sessions | ||
| 15 hours 6 sessions |
Mondays 10 AM - 12:30 PM |
10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22 |
$150-$300 |
| Session One Monday, October 25 |
What is and is not mediation? | ||
| Session Two Monday, November, 1 |
How do mediators set the stage? | ||
| Session Three Monday, November 8 |
How do mediators listen to the story? | ||
| Session Four Monday, November 15 |
How do mediators ask questions? | ||
| Session Five Monday, November 22 |
How does the mediator help negotiation? | ||
| Session Six Monday, November 29 |
How does the mediator guide the agreement? | ||
Mediation ADVANCED
Second of three required sections toward qualification as Massachusetts court or community mediator
Introduction to Mediation Advanced
Focus on mediation complexity and dilemmas including court, diversity, impasse, and ethics. Participants complete the course by mediating a full role play mediation case and receive collaborative feedback and support toward achieving professional level mediation practice.
Materials Provided. Additional Suggested texts:
Beer, Packard & Broadfield – The Mediator’s Handbook
David Hoffman et al – Mediation: A Practice Guide
Introduction to Mediation Advanced |
15 hours – 6 sessions | ||
| 15 hours 6 sessions |
Mondays 10 AM - 12:30 PM |
11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 1/3, 1/10 |
$150-$300 |
| Session One Monday, December 6 |
How do mediators mitigate impasse? | ||
| Session Two Monday, December 13 |
How do mediators view biases & diversity? | ||
| Session Three
Monday, December 20 |
How do mediators use neuroscience? | ||
| Session Four Monday, January 3 |
How do mediators approach emotions? | ||
| Session Five Monday, January 10 |
How do mediators balance power imbalances? | ||
| Session Six Monday, January 17 |
How do mediators handle ethical dilemmas? | ||