Mediation Services
Why all this Conflict and Dispute?
Conflicts are inevitable both in domestic relationships and in the workplace. Conflict is popularly equated with fighting, and is seen to be destructive and undesirable, but it can be creative, promoting new ideas and better understanding, strengthening personal relationships and facilitating more effective solutions to problems, both at home and at work.
There are a number of approaches to handling a conflict, but the most desirable is the win/win approach which always aims for an outcome that satisfies all the participants.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a non adversarial dispute resolution process, by which two or more people in conflict, employ an independent, impartial and neutral third person trained in mediation, to discuss in confidence ways in which their conflict or dispute may be amicably resolved with mutually beneficial Win/Win outcomes (not the usual "I win, You Loose" but "I Win, You Win").
As legal costs continue to escalate more people are turning to Mediation, a faster, easier, friendlier yet powerful, cost effective alternative to litigation. Mediation unlike the adversarial Court system, seeks to neutralize not escalate conflict. It is a private, voluntary, cooperative approach that works 90% of the time!
Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not decide the outcome of the dispute. The mediator helps both parties find their own solutions & does not impose or make binding decisions. This method can be used for any dispute. If mediation is successful, the parties usually enter into a written agreement setting out the terms of their settlement. This agreement would then be enforceable through the court system should either party not honour it.
Mediation should be your first choice, not last resort. Use it before commencing legal proceedings.
"The existing judicial system is too costly; too painful, too destructive, too inefficient for a truly civilized people". ( U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren E. Burger.)
"You will be surprised to learn how much less Mediation costs than, for example, court litigation which can be lengthy and expensive, even for the winner."
- Law Society of WA.
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Why Mediate & Not Litigate?
Mediation has several important advantages over court litigation:
* Mediation allows people in conflict to decide what is important to them and then develop their own options for reaching a solution to their problems.
* During Mediation, people in conflict can negotiate and bargain easily and directly without going through a third party. e.g. a lawyer.
* In Mediation, both parties can "win" because agreements reached are their own solutions, not strict legal solutions.
* Details of the dispute remain private and confidential.
* Mediation is particularly useful in conflicts where the disputing parties are likely to have on-going business or personal relationships.
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What Disputes Are Suitable For Mediation?
As a general rule all types of conflicts are suitable for mediation, for example:
* family disputes including separation, divorce, defacto relationships, custody of children, property and financial agreements
* juvenile issues
* ownership of property disputes
* finance problems e.g. with banks
* personal injury disputes
* disputes between neighbours including dividing fences
* damage to property
* deceased estates claims
* claims against insurance companies
* landlord and tenants and housing disputes
* debt collections
* corporate business
* management issues
* employment and industrial disputes
* employer/employee disputes
* harassment claims
* commercial disputes
* disputes between traders
* consumer disputes
* racial issues
* gender orientated
* environmental issues
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Is Training Available?
Yes! CRDMS runs accredited training programmes, including:-
* Everyone Can Win ... Skills of Conflict Resolution
* Do-It-Yourself Mediation
* Mediation For Managers
* Resolving Workplace Conflict
* Grievance Handling And Conflict Management
* Dealing With Difficult People
* Negotiation Skills
* Practical Communication
* and many more ... please ask about our customized training programmes.
Respectful Workplace Program
Respectful communication and positive working relationships are essential to the high performance of an organization's workforce. Wilson Banwell helps promote respectful employee relations through Respectful Workplace Programs.Respect Workplace Program services include:
- respectful workplace practices/harassment awareness training
- workplace mediation
- training in collaborative problem solving, conflict resolution, negotiation, and mediation skills
- team building
- >more
Professional Profile
Denis McCarthy , psychologist {M.Applied Psych.(Clinical & Occupational), BA Hons Psych (Murdoch}, and principal of Conflict Resolution and Dispute Mediation Services (CRDMS), also has qualifications in teaching (Dip.Ed.), training, conflict resolution and mediation, from several professional bodies (LEADR, UNAA, TAFE TOTS, Mediation Training International Institute). He has over 20 years experience as a group facilitator, counsellor, trainer and therapist, including in the areas of domestic and workplace violence, sexual assault/abuse, stress management and trauma therapy. After completing the UNAA's Conflict Resolution training in 1987 he has worked as CR/DM consultant to Australian business, government, NGOs and individuals. He is also a qualified mediator and has completed the LEADR (Lawyers Engaged in Dispute Resolution) Advanced Mediation Training in Family Mediation & Interpersonal Disputes. He has trained with Dr Jeffrey Mitchell in crisis intervention, critical incident stress management and debriefing, consulting widely in these areas.
OUR MISSION: To provide a comprehensive range of expert psychological services to enhance effectiveness of organizations and individuals.
For more information, contact us