Narrative Mediation: Loosening The Grip Of Conflict

Narrative mediation is a culturally focused practice that is based upon the notion that our lives are shaped by the stories that people tell about us and by the stories that we tell ourselves. The goal of the narrative mediator is to co-author stories that highlight strengths and competencies, rather than conflict. It helps people separate themselves from conflict-saturated stories and gives them the opportunity to re-author relationships in more peaceful, cooperative, and respectful ways. From this alternative position, the resolution of conflict can often happen much more smoothly and effectively than in traditional problem-solving approaches.

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Dr. Gerald Monk is a Professor in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology at San Diego State University and has a primary role in training Marriage and Family Therapists. Gerald is a practicing Marriage and Family Therapist in California and a mediator and trainer in collaborative divorce practices and a conflict resolution consultant in health care. Gerald worked as a psychologist and mediator in New Zealand for fifteen years prior to moving to the United States in 2000.

For more Information:  Dr. Gerald Monk