How to work with resistance in mediation
Engaging the Reluctant: Turning Resistance into Participation
Some parties arrive at mediation cautious, sceptical, or defensive. This webinar explores why resistance shows up at each stage of the process, from first contact and intake, through pre-mediation preparation, to the joint session. We’ll discuss how to respond without losing neutrality.
Learn practical language, framing, and process tweaks that build trust, increase psychological safety, and move parties from avoidance to constructive engagement.
- Spot common resistance drivers at intake and set clear expectations and informed consent.
- Use readiness checks, pre-mediation coaching, and process design (shuttle or joint) to reduce defensiveness.
- Manage pushback in-session with reframing, paced questioning, micro-agreements, and choice-and-control levers.
- Decide when to pause, redesign, or conclude a process ethically.
Join Linda live via Zoom at 5:00 pm QLD.