Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution
Abstract
Unresolved trauma histories can have both short and long-term consequences on children and parents' overall functioning. Using a trauma-informed approach to mediation, we first briefly highlight the impactofadversechildhood experiencesandunresolvedtraumasonadults. We then consider the various vulnerabilities and activations presented within mediation and the fundamental principles of trauma-informed mediation to assist parties in remaining within the "window of tolerance" during the mediation. Trauma-informed mediation is an approach that encourages mediators to be aware of potential trauma activations and to engage in compassionate practices to allow parties to engage within their own individualized "window of tolerance" to resolve disputes. We explore the unique features of trauma-informed mediation and provide practical strategies to integrate these features in mediation with families.
Disciplines
Courts | Disability Law | Dispute Resolution and Arbitration | Education Law | Law | Psychiatry and Psychology
Recommended Citation
Michael Saini, Raheena L. Dahya & Shely Polak,
A Framework for Trauma-Informed Mediation: A Heart and Mind Approach to Conflict Resolution,
26
Cardozo J. Conflict Resol.
407
(2025).
Available at:
https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cjcr/vol26/iss3/2
Included in
Courts Commons, Disability Law Commons, Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Commons, Education Law Commons, Psychiatry and Psychology Commons