Book Review >> Hold Me Tight
By Dr. Sue JohnsonReview by Melanie Rowen Hold Me Tight is, on its face, about couples therapy. Originally published in 2008, the book is designed for couples to be able to read together in a self-guided process, and the approach it lays out—Emotionally-Focused...
Being Yourself in the Room
By Gary Friedman and Katherine Miller Mediators are often expected to maintain a sage-like persona when working with parties in conflict. In lieu of separating the personal from professional self, we advocate for bringing who you are as a person into your professional...
Difficult Dynamics in Divisive Discussions
Dump trucks burn in front of Kenosha’s police station and courthouse during several days of unrest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in late August 2020. Photo by Michelle Marie-Warner, a Kenosha-based photographer. Check out her work at Michelle...
Board Profile >> Jennifer Sullivan
Jennifer Sullivan is a mediator, facilitator, and litigator who brings the power of understanding to her work. Jennifer’s background as a commercial litigator informs her focus on mediating civil and business disputes. She presents and teaches regularly on...
Parties Understanding Each Other
Clicking over from the newsletter? Click here to continue reading where you left off. The Understanding-based model of mediation fosters understanding for parties in conflict, of themselves, the situation they faced and even, possibly, each other. Understanding offers...
Board Profile >> Ivan Alter
Ivan Alter is a collaborative attorney and mediator with offices in Westchester County and New York City. Practicing law since 1994, Ivan previously had a career as a commercial and matrimonial litigator before discovering the understanding based model at the CUC....
The “Bully”
Watch our webinar on this subject by clicking here. It is a unique challenge for mediators and conflict resolution professionals to deal with the dynamic in the room when a “bully” is engaged in a conflict. “Bullies” can dominate the process, intimidate, not only the...Book Review >> A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns
Submitted by Melanie Rowen As we work to understand others, our practices for interpersonal engagement evolve. We learn what feels respectful to others and try to meet that. In A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns, a short comic book about non-binary gender...