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Health & Fitness

The Benefits of Mediation

Mediation is an important tool for conflict resolution.

I just completed an intensive training in community mediation for small claims and family disputes. The benefits of mediation promote opportunities for both sides to be heard;  to have their feelings validated; and to come up with their own solutions to a neutral third party.

However, both sides can choose instead to have their cases heard in court where someone will lose and someone will win. Mediation does not work if one party is not willing to participate freely and voluntarily. Also, the party has to be competent to engage in the process and to be able make their own decisions.

Mediation is now being used in schools; colleges; and in private practice by trained professionals for business, divorce, legal, and family conflict matters. Also, individuals can access these services from non-profit entities that offer community and family mediation programs in their communities.

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Massachusetts has strict guidelines and regulations for training mediators and how they function as alternative to dispute resolution practices.

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