Same Page Mediation

07/04/2025

Are you brave enough to give someone uninterrupted time to air their issues?

I co-mediated a neighbour dispute last week. At the beginning of the joint session the parties are given uninterrupted time to tell their side of the story, ask questions and generally be heard. It never fails that every time this is where the magic starts to happen. It's like watching a safe being cracked where one by one the tumblers start to fall into place.

There is some preparation that goes into this and the mediator is there to ensure everyone is civil and stays on track. Civil doesn't necessarily mean comfortable. And we already know that comfortable, just like a screaming match, doesn't usually lead to meaningful change.

This is a reminder to me in my own life that very rarely do I have the whole story. More often than not I have decided a motivation on behalf of the other person. This is human and what we all do. A good start is recognizing that our brains desire to simplify complex people and situations isn't a superpower.

What would it look like if you gave uninterrupted time to the other side of your conflict? What might you learn? What would it look like if you asked for your uninterrupted time as well?

This is a brave and curious act. Do you think it is worth a shot?

And you can also hire a mediator to help you all find your own resolution. I have a series of short bite sized videos on my website breaking down how mediation works if you are interested. Here is the first one:

27/03/2025

I attended a speed networking event in my new town on Tuesday night. It was my debut for my business and for me in this area. I was nervous! As usual I learned a few things:

1 - One minute isn't very long to describe your business, but by the sixth time you've done it everything gets so much clearer. I left with a much better idea of what and why I am doing what I do.

2 - Learning about other people, what they do and why is priceless. Speed networking was great and I can't wait to have more time to learn about these amazing people and their businesses.

3 - Sudbury is a fantastic town. (I kind of already knew this one.) I feel like I am incredibly lucky when it comes to picking great communities and it has happened again. Since I am the worst with taking pictures I have linked to our town so you can take a look if you are ever in the area.

Set on the River Stour, this ancient market town is surrounded by water meadows.

20/03/2025

In my excitement about finishing my course I forgot to say that I have a whole bunch of info on my website about mediation. I know everyone has heard of mediation, but not many people know how it actually works. So, there are videos hopefully answering all of those questions.

For my lawyer/ mediator friends, please use this as a resource for your clients if you like. And of course any and all feedback is welcome. Thanks!

WHAT IS MEDIATION? COLLABORATION Mediation is simply a collaborative meeting between people in conflict facilitated by a neutral. Participants volunteer for mediation to discuss their conflict candidly in sessions held  jointly and individually with the neutral facilitator helping them work out the...

17/03/2025

I finally did it! I have been saying for years that I would make a conflict resolution skills course for everyone and it is called Conflict Resolution Skills for Regular Folks.

Now I need testers willing to give very honest feedback. Anyone interested? DM if so. Thanks!

Check out my website to get an idea of what the course is like, link to it, or if you just want to learn more about how mediation works and get some free conflict resolution skills:

Get skills! Conflict Resolution SERVICES Same Page Mediation provides mediation and conflict resolution skills training to individuals and organizations both in person and online. MEDIATION TRAINING Get skills! There are many ways through conflict, you get to choose. You don't have to do anything, b...

17/11/2023

The last two afternoons I spent at the Civil Mediation Council yearly conference. It's always a pleasure meeting people who share a passion for conflict resolution and learn how they are using their skills in so many positive ways. We also had sessions dedicated to meeting our peers and interacting, an often lost opportunity during online events.

I learned about using neutrals and conflict resolution training in prison settings, armed conflict, community matters, and so much more. It gives me so much to think about and motivates me even more to participate in preventive and creative conflict resolution. Collaboration really is the best way forward every time. Thanks to the CMC for hosting this event!

13/11/2023

13/11/2023

What a difference a professional photo makes! Thank you Andrew West Photography for getting to know me and my business so he could capture the real me. Andrew is a true collaborator and as you can see, very skilled photographer. I've attached a few more pics to show Andrew's fabulous work. I highly recommend his work. You can check him out on Facebook and Instagram.

09/11/2023

What a gorgeous autumn day at Nedging Hall meeting with other small business owners at Huddle: Suffolk Small Business BuddiesHuddle: Suffolk Small Business Buddies Suffolk Small Business Buddies.

I always love connecting and collaborating and learning. Because IMHO people are what it is all about really.

19/10/2023

To all of my advocacy and education friends: Yesterday I attended an incredible training put on by the Legal Empowerment arm of the The Right Question Institute. Despite the lengthy but accurate name of the training (Foster client agency through building self-advocacy skills: A practical strategy for lawyers, advocates and service providers) the method is simple and has been proven to be effective. I'm excited to give it a try because I think it will help my mediation clients get to their interests faster by adding a 5-10 minute exercise and it is a skill they can take with them.

RQI is a not for profit based in Boston and there's tons of free info on their website. rightquestion.org Check it out and let me know what you think.

16/10/2023

Good morning conflict resolution friends! Same Page Mediation is back - UK style this time. It's been awhile and I have been living in the UK for three years now. How time flies! I've trained again in the UK and am registered as an Associate Mediator with the Civil Mediation Council as a civil/commercial and workplace mediator.

My new website is samepagemediation.co.uk

I know most of my connections online are still in the States, but I would still love to say hello. Of course I am always available to talk shop and will start posting some conflict resolution information soon. Hope all is well with you all!