Overview

Transformative Mediation is a form of mediation that was introduced by Robert A. Baruch Bush and Joseph P. Folger with the publication of their book The Promise of Mediation (1994, The institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation, ISCT). In the Netherlands, transformative mediators have united in the Foundation The Transformative Model, affiliated with the ISCT. The Transformative Conflict Theory sees conflict as a temporary crisis in human communication and interaction. Its premise is that people are capable of determining for themselves what is good for them. And that it is a basic human need to connect with others. For this reason, the transformative mediator leaves the direction in a mediation optimally in the hands of the parties. As a result, they arrive at an outcome that has been suggested by them and therefore has the greatest possible tenability. In the transformative approach the mediator supports parties in improving ('transforming') their communication: - from destructive to constructive and - from negative to positive. Two concepts are central to this: Empowerment: coming into your own power, becoming clear, decisive and autonomous. Recognition: being open to the other, hearing and seeing the other's point of view.