• Presented by Clare O’Keeffe, Succession Ireland.

Venue: to be confirmed

In person 2 day course followed up with 1 hour post training with your community of practitioners online.

Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm daily

13 CPD points on course completion

Date options for this training are: 

• Monday & Tuesday 11^th & 12^th March 2024, 1 hour online 22^nd March 2024
• Monday & Tuesday 13^th & 14^th May 2024, 1 hour online 24^th May 2024

Cost:  €525 includes course materials and mid-morning tea/coffee each day   

Early bird offer €475 expires 28 days in advance of course commencing.  

Trainer: Clare O’Keeffe. Nuffield Scholar, Certified Farm Transition Coordinator & Mediator

 B.A. Econ., M. Agr. Sc Extension & Innovation. For further information and testimonials on the trainer www.successionireland.ie

CPD: This training qualifies for 13 CPD points on course completion.

Training content: This programme is an advanced agricultural mediation skills programme simplified in a step-by-step process.

Participants will build on existing skills and develop their facilitative capabilities in a highly interactive learning environment.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

• Normalising succession conversations using mediation skills.
• Creating awareness of the cognitive, emotional and physical challenges facing farmers and farm families using mediation skills.
• Facilitate and mediate emotionally challenging conversations.
• Incorporate self-care and reflective practice strategies.

This programme is specifically targeted to mediators and agricultural consultants focusing on the economic, social and environmental impact within succession planning conversations in the agricultural sector. Tailored to mediators who intend to mediate within the agricultural sectors with farmers and farm families in challenging conversations.

This programme will provide participants with tools and strategies to address the complex issue of succession planning though a practical yet pragmatic approach.

The programme will allow the application of theory and practice to the ongoing activities aligned with succession conversations. Role play will be incorporated throughout the training.

Programme modules includes;

• Understanding the journey to date - listening and paraphrasing skills.
• Farmer, family and the farm business identity the intertwined complexities.
• Generational differences. Values and beliefs.

The AEIOU model will be incorporated into this agricultural mediation training.

• Addressing assumptions, Asset rich and cash poor. Aware of WATNA
• Expectations, entitlements. Equal / fair. Environmental sustainability  
• Income, investing and identity
• Opportunities and outcomes
• United as a family

This training will:

Create an appetite and appreciation for mediating within farming and the agri sector.

Develop a deeper understanding of complex conversations pertaining to the agricultural and rural communities.

Incorporate and sustain self-care and reflective practise.

Testimonials on the training: What did you find most valuable for you as part of the course?

“Excellent course. Definitely would need to have 5-8 years’ work experience in the sector   before you do this course”

“The background to succession decisions on farm”

“Learning tips, setting agendas & ground rules”

“How to deal with mediation. The skill set required. The important of asking the correct question”

“How to prep before a meeting”

Booking Form:  

Payment: Payment by interbank transfer or Revolut.

Payment and receipt of completed booking form secures booking.

Email clare@successionireland.ie for a booking form.

For further enquiries call 086 6013365

Places are allocated on a booking with payment secures the booking for training. Course numbers will be limited to 20 participants per course. Each course is a stand-alone course where each group of participants may share the learning within their own group.

Cancellation: If cancelled 14 days in advance of the course commencing, a full refund will be returned less an administration cost of €25.00. No refund if cancelled less than 14 days to course commencing. However, a substitute person may attend the full course instead with an administration charge of €25.00.

The trainer retains the right to cancel or postpone the course in the event that there are not sufficient numbers booked.  

Erwin Bouchier Professional Solutions

Roleplay and Skills Training – Workplace Mediation

This structured training will provide you with experiential mediation practice and learning through supervised role play to build your mediator competence and skills.

Working through a case from start to finish, participants will have the opportunity to act as both mediator,  party and observer. The aim of the training is to develop core practice skills to enable participants to more effectively mediate and manage the process of mediation.

EBPS training programmes are devised and delivered by Karen Erwin and Mags Bouchier, both of whom are very experienced mediation practitioners, carrying out what they teach in their ‘day jobs’. EBPS training is born from their practical experience on the job and informed by and continually adapted in line with their practical day-to-day experience. In their training they share their knowledge and experiences, which makes the training more practical and realistic and ensures that it is up to the minute.

Mediation training testimonials:

GW, Head of Department and Course Coordinator, Trinity College Dublin:

As course coordinator of the Postgraduate diploma in Conflict and Dispute Resolution Studies at Trinity College Dublin I am very happy to recommend the mediation training provided by Erwin Bouchier Professional Solutions.

Mags Boucher and Karen Erwin have been training our students in facilitative mediation for the last two years [2014-2016]. They are very experienced in the field and bring their long-standing practice to the classroom. Each session for the students is thoroughly prepared and professionally delivered. The students benefit from undertaking role plays and practical skills development under the careful tutelage of the trainers. Student evaluations are always very positive about the training received.

I am pleased to report that last year twenty of our students undertook the Mediators Institute of Ireland accreditation exam after training with Ms Bouchier and Ms Erwin, and all passed very successfully. I am expecting similar results this year.

CF, HR Manager:

A highly useful, relevant and valuable training course that offered the perfect blend of theory and practical skills training. The training providers [EBPS] have in-depth and expert knowledge in mediation service delivery, in addition to extensive experience within the professional services industry. This was made evident in the case studies presented, the dialogue generated, and the insights offered…

Margaret is a skilled trainer, bringing both the theoretical and practical elements of the course to life, with professionalism, an inclusive approach, a friendly demeanour and with helpful encouragement along the way. The mediator training course delivered by Margaret is incredibly useful, relevant and highly effective.

Karen’ s unique background, extensive knowledge and enthusiasm, coupled with Margaret’ s experience and high-quality delivery gave the course a heightened degree of excellence and impact.

CPD: 7 CPD Points, 5 of which are Practice Points

Date of training: Tuesday 14th November

Duration: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Cost: €250 per person with early bird price of €210 if payment is received by Friday 24th OCTOBER 

Venue: Maldron Hotel, Newlands Cross, Dublin 22, D22 V6Y6

Booking: Bookings must be received by email using the EBPS booking form. The booking form can be obtained from Training@erwin-mediation.ie

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel 14 days before the course you will get a full refund less an administration cost of €20.00. You will not be entitled to any refund if you cancel less than 14 days before the course. A substitute person may attend in your stead with an administration charge of €20.00.

Note:

·         This training is subject to minimum participant numbers and will have a maximum of 20 participants.

• The fees include course materials and mid-morning break.
• EBPS reserve the right to change venues or trainers or to alter or cancel published dates without liability.

If you have any queries on the above or require any further information please contact

Karen Erwin at karenerwin@erwin-mediation.ie or 0872415844 or  

Margaret Bouchier at post@margaretbouchier.com or 086 819784

Trainer profiles:

Karen Erwin:

Karen Erwin, Director and founder of Erwin Mediation Services Ltd, has been practising mediation for over 20 years. Her practice is mainly in workplace, commercial and family mediations with a special interest in partnership and shareholder mediations. Her background as a solicitor, being an ex Litigation Partner in A&L Goodbody, gives her the ability to overlay her practice and training roles with her legal experience.

As well as practising as a mediator, Karen delivers the MII Code of Ethics and Practice training and other private trainings which are all individually designed to cover conflict resolution, mediation and facilitation skills and how to have difficult conversations.

Karen is an Approved Advanced Member of The Mediators’ Institute of Ireland, an Advanced Certified Mediator with the Elder Mediation International Network and recognised by the International Mediation Institute (IMI). She was President of The MII for 7 years and recently served on the committee which drafted the Code of Ethics and Practice. Karen also sits on 4 Charitable boards.

Margaret Bouchier:

Margaret Bouchier, Director of Advanced Working Solutions Limited (AWSL), is a leading Irish Mediator.  Since 2004, Margaret has mediated extensively throughout Ireland and internationally, supporting individuals and organisations to resolve complex and sensitive employment issues and disputes. The majority of Margaret’s cases are by referral and recommendation and, to the best of her knowledge, no mediated agreement that she has helped parties to reach has been set aside, either by the parties themselves or by a third party.

Margaret has a wealth of training experience, having devised and delivered a broad range of training programmes through AWSL and EBPS including:  Accredited Employment Mediator Training; Mediation Skills and Practice; Conflict Skills for Managers; Negotiation; Dignity at Work; and Teambuilding.

Margaret is an Approved Advanced Member of The Mediators’ Institute of Ireland, an Advanced Certified Mediator with the Elder Mediation International Network and recognised by the International Mediation Institute (IMI). In 2016, she was awarded the Sherren Leadership Award for her contribution to the development of ethics in elder mediation.

Online Training

based on the book:

‘The Mediator’s Toolkit: Formulating and Asking Questions for Successful Outcomes’
Author and Trainer: Gerry O’Sullivan

Training course to radically sharpen, focus, and improve your mediation questioning skills to help you facilitate parties to successful and sustainable outcomes.

Presented by Gerry O’Sullivan, O’Sullivan Solutions

Online using Zoom
28 CPD Points 

Detailed information and booking:

https://www.osullivansolutions.ie/shtml/training_S_questions.shtml

This information includes a video advertisement as well as a complimentary video from Module 1.

2023 November course- 9,10, 16 & 17th

(1.30pm - 5.30pm GMT) 

Thursday and Friday afternoons

Cost: €429 - four half-day sessions

Venue: Online via Zoom 

THEMES COVERED IN THE SEVEN MODULES

Each module starts with delivery of the theory behind the question type, then film footage of a role-played mediation demonstrates the use of that question and this is followed by a presentation of its application to mediation practice. Workbooks with comprehensive notes, exercises and discussion points are also provided.

Introductory Module 1

Module 1a: The Context for Creating a Paradigm Shift

• This module shows the goals that need to be achieved when asking questions in mediation. You will learn how the distortion, deletion and deficit of communicated information can hinder or block conflict solution and the physiological changes that occur when parties are in conflict.

Module 1b: Use of 'The S Questions Model' and its application

• This module gives an overview of the framework of the S Questions Model and the four dimensions of questions within that model. It also introduces the Film Case Scenario that will be used as the context for all the filmed role plays in the other modules and the Practice Case Scenario that will be used in exercises post learning.

Module 2

Shift Thinking: Journey of Inference Questions

• The film contained in this module sets the context for the dispute, giving the interpretations and assumptions that parties made about the conflict situation and how this led to their misunderstanding of each other and to the positional stance that they took. These Journey of Inference questions make an unconscious thinking process conscious and introduce new insight to the parties that creates understanding between them. They shift a party's perspective from their old narrative towards a new and more healthy narrative.
  (Demonstration film is done with both parties in the room)

Module 3

Shift Thinking: Other People Questions

• The first film in this module illustrates how to challenge Kathy’s Journey of Inference (interpretations, assumptions and conclusions) by using Other People Questions and demonstrates how this can be done in a safe way. The second film uses Other People Questions with both parties in the room together at a later phase of the mediation. These questions broaden the perspectives of parties and make it easier for them to respond to questions which might otherwise invoke a feeling of threat. They facilitate a party to think cognitively, rather than from an 'avoid-threat reflex' state and they create understanding and illustrate empathy between parties.
  (Demonstration films are done with one party and both parties in the room)

Module 4

The two films in this module cover separate meetings with one of the characters, Kathy, during which a paradigm shift starts to take place as a result of the questions she is asked. As a result, Kathy starts to become more congruent in her communication and will be better prepared for the joint meeting.

Module 4a: Shift Thinking: Neuro-Linguistic Programming based Questions

• These questions bring clarity and explore subjective realities, reconnecting a party's language, along with its deletions, distortions and generalisations, with their actual experience.  They separate a party's 'fears' from the 'facts' and support a party to move from a place of intransigence. These questions lead to an adjustment of a party's subjective reality and a paradigm shift in their thinking and approach.
  (Demonstration film is done with one party at a separate meeting)

Module 4b: Distinctions and Differences Questions

• These questions also bring clarity and explore subjective realities. Specifically. they enable a party to step back from the conflict and view it with an alternative perspective. The questions bring clarity, relevance and boundary to a conflict. They bring measurement regarding something that requires more precise information such as the extent of an impact on parties; the level of understanding reached; the progress made during the mediation process; the appropriateness of solutions etc. These questions lead to an adjustment of a party's subjective reality and a paradigm shift in their thinking and approach.
  (Demonstration film is done with one party at a separate meeting)

Module 5

Shift Thinking: Cognitive Elements Based Questions

• This film demonstrates a private meeting with Tom and it shows how to identify clashing cognitive elements resulting in cognitive dissonance within him. The mediator demonstrates how to use this knowledge as a means for a party to identify future actions in order to return to a state of cognitive consonance. By returning to this state, a party can start to think logically and make rational decisions. These questions gently and safely challenge a party that is strongly defending their position or who appears to be in 'denial'. They facilitate a party to explore their dissonance so that they can get to the root of their inner conflict, and make decisions about how they need to address their conflict in the joint session.
  (Demonstration films are done with one party at a separate meeting)

Module 6

Shift Thinking: Underlying Interests Questions

• The two films in this module show how asking questions that go below the surface of a party’s position can lead to the core of their conflict and lead to their underlying interests and needs. Once this is done, parties become less emotional and are able to think cognitively and make decisions. Identifying these conscious or unconscious underlying interests provides a platform from which appropriate and sustainable agreements that meet a party’s underlying interests, rather than their positional demands, can be reached.
  (Demonstration film is done with both parties in the room)

Module 7

The two films in this module cover separate meetings with one of the characters, Kathy, during which a paradigm shift starts to take place as a result of the questions she is asked. As a result, Kathy starts to become more congruent in her communication and will be better prepared for the joint meeting.

Module 7a: Future Focus Questions

• Future Focused questions can change the state of a person so that they begin to think logically rather than emotionally. This allows them to safely think through the kind of agreements that could meet their underlying interests and needs. These questions paint a possible hypothetical, conditional or consequential picture on which parties can reflect and make decisions, from outside their current paradigm. These questions move a party off the conflict treadmill and lessen the chance of a party having an amygdala hijack and thinking from an emotional perspective.
  (Demonstration films are done with one party on their own as well as with both parties in the room)

Module 7b: Shift Thinking: Reflective Connecting Questions

• Reflective Connecting questions facilitate a party or parties to see the cycle of conflict that developed between them and how each of their actions may have led to a reaction from the other.  They enable parties to make connections and links between various facets of a conflict, thus broadening and expanding their thinking. These questions increase understanding and facilitate the parties to agree actions should an incident like this arise in the future. 
  (Demonstration film is done with both parties in the room)

Testimonials

"Excellent course, Gerry’s warmth and enthusiasm was infectious."
                                                                                                Declan McBrearty, Irish Prison Service

"An essential next step for anyone who has done the theory of mediation and anyone who wants to up-skill."
                                                                               Muriel Walls, Walls & Toomey, Solicitors, Dublin

"If you want to learn from somebody who knows their job and loves it, this is the course for you. Gerry’s honesty and enthusiasm is infectious. Brilliant facilitation and invaluable knowledge."
                                                                                                                                Ken Quinn, Wexford

"This training is exceptionally informative and revealing - enlightening the possibilities of good practise in mediation."
                                                                                   Tracey Thompson, Tipperary County Council

"It is essential information for anyone mediating."
Mary Smyth, State Valuation Office, Dublin

"Attend."
                                                   Chris Dunne, Hannah Carney & Associates, Solicitors, Dublin

Detailed information and booking:

https://www.osullivansolutions.ie/shtml/training_S_questions.shtml

Agricultural sector training.

Introduction to Mediation skills training in navigating challenging farm family succession, inheritance and farm progression conversations.

• Presented by Clare O’Keeffe.
• Online using Zoom
  2 CPD

Dates:  Delivered online using Zoom
              Each session is 2 hour

Venue: Online via Zoom 

Time: 9.30am - 11.30am This course is delivered live.

Date options for this training are: 

• Tuesday November 7^th 2023
• Tuesday February 6^th 2024
• Tuesday April 16^th 2024
• Tuesday June 4^th 2024

Cost:      €85.00

Trainer: Clare O’Keeffe. Nuffield Scholar, Certified Farm Transition Coordinator & Mediator

 B.A. Econ., M. Agr. Sc Extension & Innovation. For further information and testimonials on the trainer www.successionireland.ie

CPD: This training qualifies for 2 CPD points on course completion.

Training content:

Farmer, family and the farm business identity. Intertwined complexities.

Understanding the journey to date - listening skills.

Generational differences. Values and beliefs.

Addressing assumptions, expectations, entitlements. Asset rich and cash poor, non-discussions.

Outcomes of the training:

Create an appetite and appreciation for mediating within farming and the agri sector. One case at a time working through the emotional, cognitive and physical challenges facing individual farm families becoming unstuck.

Develop a deeper understanding of complex conversations pertaining to the agricultural and rural communities.

Incorporate and sustain self-care and reflective practise.

Testimonials on the training:

What did you find most valuable for you as part of the course?      

Booking Form:  

Payment: Payment by interbank transfer or Revolut.

Payment and receipt of completed booking form secures booking.

Email clare@successionireland.ie for a booking form.

For further enquiries call 086 6013365

Places are allocated on a booking with payment secures the booking for training. Course numbers will be limited to 20 participants per course. Each course is a stand-alone course where each group of participants may share the learning within their own group.

Cancellation: If cancelled 14 days in advance of the course commencing, a full refund will be returned less an administration cost of €25.00. No refund if cancelled less than 14 days to course commencing. However, a substitute person may attend the full course instead with an administration charge of €25.00.

The trainer retains the right to cancel or postpone the course in the event that there are not sufficient numbers booked.  

MII Code of Ethics and Practice 

Presented by Karen Erwin.    

ONLINE
3 CPD Points

MII Code of Ethics and Practice Training

Dates:  Delivered over two online sessions
             Each session is  1.5 hours long.

Venue: Online via Zoom 

Time:     9.30 - 11.00 This course is two sessions in the same week.

Date options for this training are: 

• Tuesday October 17 and Wednesday October 18

• Tuesday November 7 and Wednesday November 8
• Wednesday December 6 and  Thursday  December 7 

Cost:      €95.00 (€75.00 if under 2 years MII Certified. Proof of qualification date to be submitted with booking form)

Trainer: Karen Erwin. Advanced MII member; Past President The MII and an experienced trainer. For further information and testimonials on the trainer www.erwin-mediation.ie

CPD: This  training qualifies for 3 CPD points and fulfils the MII requirement for completion of the mandatory MII Code of Ethics and Practice training which must be completed every 3 years to retain membership of the MII. It has full MII approval.

Training content: The training, which is based on the Code of Ethics and Practice of the MII, is an interactive training using practical examples to illustrate points; it updates the Code where appropriate with the provisions of the Mediation Act 2017; it allows for participants’ experiences to be shared and questions to be asked and answers discussed.

Outcomes of the training:

By the end of the training you will have an in-depth understanding of ethical and practical issues that might arise in practice; you will know the implications of the Mediation Act 2017 as it affects the Code; you will have had the opportunity to raise issues from your practice and be informed of issues that other mediators have; you will have refreshed your mediation knowledge.  

Testimonials on the training:

“Excellent presentation – obviously very well prepared and knowledgeable”

“This was one of the best training sessions learning events I have attended in the field of mediation. Karen was easy to listen to and a font of knowledge”

“Excellent presentation. Really useful discussion of the materials. Kept group alert and focussed. Gave examples for clarity and invited and responded to all questions.”

Booking Form:  training@erwin-mediation.ie

Payment: Payment by interbank transfer.

Payment and receipt of completed booking form secures booking

Email training@erwin-mediation.ie for a booking form

For further enquiries call 0872 415 844.

Places are allocated on a first come and paid first served. 

Cancellation: If you cancel 14 days before the course you will get a full refund less an administration cost of €20.00. You will not be entitled to any refund if you cancel less than 14 days before the course. A substitute person may attend in your stead with an administration charge of €20.00.

The trainer retains the right to cancel or postpone the course in the event that there are not sufficient numbers booked.  

GDPR: As this is mandatory training to retain membership of the MII the Trainer will be liaising with the MII in relation to attendances on the course and the booking form will seek permission under GDPR to provide attendance information to the MII as well as anonymised evaluation comments to assist their quality assurance.

Online Training

based on the book:

‘The Mediator’s Toolkit: Formulating and Asking Questions for Successful Outcomes’
Author and Trainer: Gerry O’Sullivan

Training course to radically sharpen, focus, and improve your mediation questioning skills to help you facilitate parties to successful and sustainable outcomes.

Presented by Gerry O’Sullivan, O’Sullivan Solutions

Online using Zoom
28 CPD Points 

Detailed information and booking:

https://www.osullivansolutions.ie/shtml/training_S_questions.shtml

This information includes a video advertisement as well as a complimentary video from Module 1.

2023 October course- 12,13,19 & 20th

(1.30pm - 5.30pm GMT) 

Thursday and Friday afternoons

Cost: €429 - four half-day sessions

Venue: Online via Zoom 

THEMES COVERED IN THE SEVEN MODULES

Each module starts with delivery of the theory behind the question type, then film footage of a role-played mediation demonstrates the use of that question and this is followed by a presentation of its application to mediation practice. Workbooks with comprehensive notes, exercises and discussion points are also provided.

Introductory Module 1

Module 1a: The Context for Creating a Paradigm Shift

• This module shows the goals that need to be achieved when asking questions in mediation. You will learn how the distortion, deletion and deficit of communicated information can hinder or block conflict solution and the physiological changes that occur when parties are in conflict.

Module 1b: Use of 'The S Questions Model' and its application

• This module gives an overview of the framework of the S Questions Model and the four dimensions of questions within that model. It also introduces the Film Case Scenario that will be used as the context for all the filmed role plays in the other modules and the Practice Case Scenario that will be used in exercises post learning.

Module 2

Shift Thinking: Journey of Inference Questions

• The film contained in this module sets the context for the dispute, giving the interpretations and assumptions that parties made about the conflict situation and how this led to their misunderstanding of each other and to the positional stance that they took. These Journey of Inference questions make an unconscious thinking process conscious and introduce new insight to the parties that creates understanding between them. They shift a party's perspective from their old narrative towards a new and more healthy narrative.
  (Demonstration film is done with both parties in the room)

Module 3

Shift Thinking: Other People Questions

• The first film in this module illustrates how to challenge Kathy’s Journey of Inference (interpretations, assumptions and conclusions) by using Other People Questions and demonstrates how this can be done in a safe way. The second film uses Other People Questions with both parties in the room together at a later phase of the mediation. These questions broaden the perspectives of parties and make it easier for them to respond to questions which might otherwise invoke a feeling of threat. They facilitate a party to think cognitively, rather than from an 'avoid-threat reflex' state and they create understanding and illustrate empathy between parties.
  (Demonstration films are done with one party and both parties in the room)

Module 4

The two films in this module cover separate meetings with one of the characters, Kathy, during which a paradigm shift starts to take place as a result of the questions she is asked. As a result, Kathy starts to become more congruent in her communication and will be better prepared for the joint meeting.

Module 4a: Shift Thinking: Neuro-Linguistic Programming based Questions

• These questions bring clarity and explore subjective realities, reconnecting a party's language, along with its deletions, distortions and generalisations, with their actual experience.  They separate a party's 'fears' from the 'facts' and support a party to move from a place of intransigence. These questions lead to an adjustment of a party's subjective reality and a paradigm shift in their thinking and approach.
  (Demonstration film is done with one party at a separate meeting)

Module 4b: Distinctions and Differences Questions

• These questions also bring clarity and explore subjective realities. Specifically. they enable a party to step back from the conflict and view it with an alternative perspective. The questions bring clarity, relevance and boundary to a conflict. They bring measurement regarding something that requires more precise information such as the extent of an impact on parties; the level of understanding reached; the progress made during the mediation process; the appropriateness of solutions etc. These questions lead to an adjustment of a party's subjective reality and a paradigm shift in their thinking and approach.
  (Demonstration film is done with one party at a separate meeting)

Module 5

Shift Thinking: Cognitive Elements Based Questions

• This film demonstrates a private meeting with Tom and it shows how to identify clashing cognitive elements resulting in cognitive dissonance within him. The mediator demonstrates how to use this knowledge as a means for a party to identify future actions in order to return to a state of cognitive consonance. By returning to this state, a party can start to think logically and make rational decisions. These questions gently and safely challenge a party that is strongly defending their position or who appears to be in 'denial'. They facilitate a party to explore their dissonance so that they can get to the root of their inner conflict, and make decisions about how they need to address their conflict in the joint session.
  (Demonstration films are done with one party at a separate meeting)

Module 6

Shift Thinking: Underlying Interests Questions

• The two films in this module show how asking questions that go below the surface of a party’s position can lead to the core of their conflict and lead to their underlying interests and needs. Once this is done, parties become less emotional and are able to think cognitively and make decisions. Identifying these conscious or unconscious underlying interests provides a platform from which appropriate and sustainable agreements that meet a party’s underlying interests, rather than their positional demands, can be reached.
  (Demonstration film is done with both parties in the room)

Module 7

The two films in this module cover separate meetings with one of the characters, Kathy, during which a paradigm shift starts to take place as a result of the questions she is asked. As a result, Kathy starts to become more congruent in her communication and will be better prepared for the joint meeting.

Module 7a: Future Focus Questions

• Future Focused questions can change the state of a person so that they begin to think logically rather than emotionally. This allows them to safely think through the kind of agreements that could meet their underlying interests and needs. These questions paint a possible hypothetical, conditional or consequential picture on which parties can reflect and make decisions, from outside their current paradigm. These questions move a party off the conflict treadmill and lessen the chance of a party having an amygdala hijack and thinking from an emotional perspective.
  (Demonstration films are done with one party on their own as well as with both parties in the room)

Module 7b: Shift Thinking: Reflective Connecting Questions

• Reflective Connecting questions facilitate a party or parties to see the cycle of conflict that developed between them and how each of their actions may have led to a reaction from the other.  They enable parties to make connections and links between various facets of a conflict, thus broadening and expanding their thinking. These questions increase understanding and facilitate the parties to agree actions should an incident like this arise in the future. 
  (Demonstration film is done with both parties in the room)

Testimonials

"Excellent course, Gerry’s warmth and enthusiasm was infectious."
                                                                                                Declan McBrearty, Irish Prison Service

"An essential next step for anyone who has done the theory of mediation and anyone who wants to up-skill."
                                                                               Muriel Walls, Walls & Toomey, Solicitors, Dublin

"If you want to learn from somebody who knows their job and loves it, this is the course for you. Gerry’s honesty and enthusiasm is infectious. Brilliant facilitation and invaluable knowledge."
                                                                                                                                Ken Quinn, Wexford

"This training is exceptionally informative and revealing - enlightening the possibilities of good practise in mediation."
                                                                                   Tracey Thompson, Tipperary County Council

"It is essential information for anyone mediating."
Mary Smyth, State Valuation Office, Dublin

"Attend."
                                                   Chris Dunne, Hannah Carney & Associates, Solicitors, Dublin

Detailed information and booking:

https://www.osullivansolutions.ie/shtml/training_S_questions.shtml

Online Training

based on the book:

‘The Mediator’s Toolkit: Formulating and Asking Questions for Successful Outcomes’
Author and Trainer: Gerry O’Sullivan

Training course to radically sharpen, focus, and improve your mediation questioning skills to help you facilitate parties to successful and sustainable outcomes.

Presented by Gerry O’Sullivan, O’Sullivan Solutions

Online using Zoom
28 CPD Points 

Detailed information and booking:

https://www.osullivansolutions.ie/shtml/training_S_questions.shtml

This information includes a video advertisement as well as a complimentary video from Module 1.

2023 September course- 14, 15, 21, 22

(1.30pm - 5.30pm GMT) 

Thursday and Friday afternoons

Cost: €429 - four half-day sessions

Venue: Online via Zoom 

THEMES COVERED IN THE SEVEN MODULES

Each module starts with delivery of the theory behind the question type, then film footage of a role-played mediation demonstrates the use of that question and this is followed by a presentation of its application to mediation practice. Workbooks with comprehensive notes, exercises and discussion points are also provided.

Introductory Module 1

Module 1a: The Context for Creating a Paradigm Shift

• This module shows the goals that need to be achieved when asking questions in mediation. You will learn how the distortion, deletion and deficit of communicated information can hinder or block conflict solution and the physiological changes that occur when parties are in conflict.

Module 1b: Use of 'The S Questions Model' and its application

• This module gives an overview of the framework of the S Questions Model and the four dimensions of questions within that model. It also introduces the Film Case Scenario that will be used as the context for all the filmed role plays in the other modules and the Practice Case Scenario that will be used in exercises post learning.

Module 2

Shift Thinking: Journey of Inference Questions

• The film contained in this module sets the context for the dispute, giving the interpretations and assumptions that parties made about the conflict situation and how this led to their misunderstanding of each other and to the positional stance that they took. These Journey of Inference questions make an unconscious thinking process conscious and introduce new insight to the parties that creates understanding between them. They shift a party's perspective from their old narrative towards a new and more healthy narrative.
  (Demonstration film is done with both parties in the room)

Module 3

Shift Thinking: Other People Questions

• The first film in this module illustrates how to challenge Kathy’s Journey of Inference (interpretations, assumptions and conclusions) by using Other People Questions and demonstrates how this can be done in a safe way. The second film uses Other People Questions with both parties in the room together at a later phase of the mediation. These questions broaden the perspectives of parties and make it easier for them to respond to questions which might otherwise invoke a feeling of threat. They facilitate a party to think cognitively, rather than from an 'avoid-threat reflex' state and they create understanding and illustrate empathy between parties.
  (Demonstration films are done with one party and both parties in the room)

Module 4

The two films in this module cover separate meetings with one of the characters, Kathy, during which a paradigm shift starts to take place as a result of the questions she is asked. As a result, Kathy starts to become more congruent in her communication and will be better prepared for the joint meeting.

Module 4a: Shift Thinking: Neuro-Linguistic Programming based Questions

• These questions bring clarity and explore subjective realities, reconnecting a party's language, along with its deletions, distortions and generalisations, with their actual experience.  They separate a party's 'fears' from the 'facts' and support a party to move from a place of intransigence. These questions lead to an adjustment of a party's subjective reality and a paradigm shift in their thinking and approach.
  (Demonstration film is done with one party at a separate meeting)

Module 4b: Distinctions and Differences Questions

• These questions also bring clarity and explore subjective realities. Specifically. they enable a party to step back from the conflict and view it with an alternative perspective. The questions bring clarity, relevance and boundary to a conflict. They bring measurement regarding something that requires more precise information such as the extent of an impact on parties; the level of understanding reached; the progress made during the mediation process; the appropriateness of solutions etc. These questions lead to an adjustment of a party's subjective reality and a paradigm shift in their thinking and approach.
  (Demonstration film is done with one party at a separate meeting)

Module 5

Shift Thinking: Cognitive Elements Based Questions

• This film demonstrates a private meeting with Tom and it shows how to identify clashing cognitive elements resulting in cognitive dissonance within him. The mediator demonstrates how to use this knowledge as a means for a party to identify future actions in order to return to a state of cognitive consonance. By returning to this state, a party can start to think logically and make rational decisions. These questions gently and safely challenge a party that is strongly defending their position or who appears to be in 'denial'. They facilitate a party to explore their dissonance so that they can get to the root of their inner conflict, and make decisions about how they need to address their conflict in the joint session.
  (Demonstration films are done with one party at a separate meeting)

Module 6

Shift Thinking: Underlying Interests Questions

• The two films in this module show how asking questions that go below the surface of a party’s position can lead to the core of their conflict and lead to their underlying interests and needs. Once this is done, parties become less emotional and are able to think cognitively and make decisions. Identifying these conscious or unconscious underlying interests provides a platform from which appropriate and sustainable agreements that meet a party’s underlying interests, rather than their positional demands, can be reached.
  (Demonstration film is done with both parties in the room)

Module 7

The two films in this module cover separate meetings with one of the characters, Kathy, during which a paradigm shift starts to take place as a result of the questions she is asked. As a result, Kathy starts to become more congruent in her communication and will be better prepared for the joint meeting.

Module 7a: Future Focus Questions

• Future Focused questions can change the state of a person so that they begin to think logically rather than emotionally. This allows them to safely think through the kind of agreements that could meet their underlying interests and needs. These questions paint a possible hypothetical, conditional or consequential picture on which parties can reflect and make decisions, from outside their current paradigm. These questions move a party off the conflict treadmill and lessen the chance of a party having an amygdala hijack and thinking from an emotional perspective.
  (Demonstration films are done with one party on their own as well as with both parties in the room)

Module 7b: Shift Thinking: Reflective Connecting Questions

• Reflective Connecting questions facilitate a party or parties to see the cycle of conflict that developed between them and how each of their actions may have led to a reaction from the other.  They enable parties to make connections and links between various facets of a conflict, thus broadening and expanding their thinking. These questions increase understanding and facilitate the parties to agree actions should an incident like this arise in the future. 
  (Demonstration film is done with both parties in the room)

Testimonials

"Excellent course, Gerry’s warmth and enthusiasm was infectious."
                                                                                                Declan McBrearty, Irish Prison Service

"An essential next step for anyone who has done the theory of mediation and anyone who wants to up-skill."
                                                                               Muriel Walls, Walls & Toomey, Solicitors, Dublin

"If you want to learn from somebody who knows their job and loves it, this is the course for you. Gerry’s honesty and enthusiasm is infectious. Brilliant facilitation and invaluable knowledge."
                                                                                                                                Ken Quinn, Wexford

"This training is exceptionally informative and revealing - enlightening the possibilities of good practise in mediation."
                                                                                   Tracey Thompson, Tipperary County Council

"It is essential information for anyone mediating."
Mary Smyth, State Valuation Office, Dublin

"Attend."
                                                   Chris Dunne, Hannah Carney & Associates, Solicitors, Dublin

Detailed information and booking:

https://www.osullivansolutions.ie/shtml/training_S_questions.shtml

Heading 

Video Self-paced Study - Advanced Mediation Questions

Dates 

Sign-up and get instant permanent access:

https://www.osullivansolutions.ie/mediation-questions-training/online-video-mediation-questions-training/

Presenter

Presented by Gerry O’Sullivan, O’Sullivan Solutions and based on the book:

‘The Mediator’s Toolkit: Formulating and Asking Questions for Successful Outcomes’.

It will cover all of the Shift Thinking Questions from ‘The S Questions Model’.

Instantly watch 13 filmed mediation demonstrations with accompanying theory and manuals. This advanced online mediation video course will be available for permanent access so you can learn at your own pace and rewind whenever you wish to recapture or embed your learning.

Dynamic Learning:

Supports you to bring your mediation practice to an enhanced level by asking questions that will help you to identify the thinking process of mediation participants, bring new, clarified and distorted information into the mediation conversation and show you how to get past positions to underlying interests. It will help you to create a paradigm shift in the thinking of parties and facilitate them to overcome their blocks to conflict resolution and reach a sustainable mediation settlement that meets the needs of all participants. 

CPD – 16 hours/points

Suitable for mediators in all sectors.

Further details and sign up for instant access:

https://www.osullivansolutions.ie/mediation-questions-training/online-video-mediation-questions-training/

Find out more about the book - ‘‘The Mediator’s Toolkit: Formulating and Asking Questions for Successful Outcomes’.

https://www.osullivansolutions.ie/who-i-am/my-book/

Contact Gerry O’Sullivan: osullivansolutions1@gmail.com

Testimonial

“The Mediation Questions Training was excellent. Gerry expertly connects the psychological and theoretical elements to asking questions in mediation.   I found the content and delivery to be exceptional and I can honestly say that I have learned more from this incredible training than any other course I have completed. I attended the live four half-days online training and I have purchased access to some of the videos so that I can watch them again for increased learning.”

Sharon McGarr, BA (Hons) Psychology, MA Mediation and Conflict Intervention

Fieldwork Coordinator on the PRIMERA Project 

“Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict”

This three-day intensive workshop (plus optional assessment day)  will build on the skills you have learnt and applied as part of your previous mediation and skills building training. The Course Aim is to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, attitude, and awareness to be able to act as a professional ethical mediator in disputes between two or more persons in a variety of settings. The course is designed to meet the core requirements needed to become a certified mediator as per The Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII) Guidelines.

The objectives (learning outcomes) of the programme are:

• To attain a thorough understanding of core mediation concepts, mediation theories, processes, and principles.
• To have knowledge of and be mindful of requirements of mediators under the Mediation Act 2017.
• To have knowledge of the MII code of ethics and in line with that to integrate mediation principles and ethics into their practice mediation.
• To develop your mediation skills to the level of competency as laid down in MII certified assessment requirements
• To have knowledge of negotiation theory and be able to use principled negotiation strategies and skills when mediating.
• To be able to manage the content of mediation and be able to maintain a forward momentum when mediating.
• To raise your awareness of how your belief systems, assumptions and biases impact the mediation process and to facilitate the development of ways of managing these.
• To model mediation principles and attitudes in creating an environment of trust, rapport and empowerment.

BOOKING FORM

Dates:                        Tuesday and Wednesday 25^th and 26^th July 2023 9.30am to 4.30pm 

                                    Pre-Assessment Day and Assessment Day to be agreed with group                               

Cost:                           €650.00 plus optional €300.00 assessment fee

Venue:                       42 Aughrim Street, Dublin 7,

Facilitator                 Catherine O’Connell –

TO BOOK PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING AND PAY AS PER INSTRUCTIONS

(Please contact Catherine before paying to ensure a place is available).

Contact:                Catherine at 0879936237 or Catherine.oconnell@mu.ie

Name                                     ____________________________________________

Address                                 ____________________________________________

Email Address                      ____________________________________________

Telephone Number           ____________________________________________

This course is limited to 6 persons  

Payment by internet banking to: Bank of Ireland, Phibsboro; Account 82126431; sort code 90 06 23. Bic BOFIIE2DXXX:   IBAN IE04BOFI90062382126431:

Reference MH87M+ 2020

I give my permission to be contacted for the purpose of being able to participate in the programme and receive information and material in relation to the same.

Signature                              _______________________________________________

Please scan/photograph and return booking form page.

MII Code of Ethics and Practice 

Presented by Karen Erwin.    

ONLINE
3 CPD Points

MII Code of Ethics and Practice Training

Monday 12 June and Tuesday 13 June 9.30 – 11.00

Dates:  Delivered over two online sessions

             Each session is  1.5 hours long.

Venue: Online via Zoom 

Time:     9.30 - 11.00 This course is two sessions in the same week.

Cost:      €95.00 (€75.00 if under 2 years MII Certified. Proof of qualification date to be submitted with booking form)

Trainer: Karen Erwin. Advanced MII member; Past President The MII and an experienced trainer. For further information and testimonials on the trainer www.erwin-mediation.ie

CPD: This  training qualifies for 3 CPD points and fulfils the MII requirement for completion of the mandatory MII Code of Ethics and Practice training which must be completed every 3 years to retain membership of the MII. It has full MII approval.

Training content: The training, which is based on the Code of Ethics and Practice of the MII, is an interactive training using practical examples to illustrate points; it updates the Code where appropriate with the provisions of the Mediation Act 2017; it allows for participants’ experiences to be shared and questions to be asked and answers discussed.

Outcomes of the training:

By the end of the training you will have an in-depth understanding of ethical and practical issues that might arise in practice; you will know the implications of the Mediation Act 2017 as it affects the Code; you will have had the opportunity to raise issues from your practice and be informed of issues that other mediators have; you will have refreshed your mediation knowledge.  

Testimonials on the training:

“Excellent presentation – obviously very well prepared and knowledgeable”

“This was one of the best training sessions learning events I have attended in the field of mediation. Karen was easy to listen to and a font of knowledge”

“Excellent presentation. Really useful discussion of the materials. Kept group alert and focussed. Gave examples for clarity and invited and responded to all questions.”

Booking Form:  training@erwin-mediation.ie

Payment: Payment by interbank transfer.

Payment and receipt of completed booking form secures booking

Email training@erwin-mediation.ie for a booking form

For further enquiries call 0872 415 844.

Places are allocated on a first come and paid first served. 

Cancellation: If you cancel 14 days before the course you will get a full refund less an administration cost of €20.00. You will not be entitled to any refund if you cancel less than 14 days before the course. A substitute person may attend in your stead with an administration charge of €20.00.

The trainer retains the right to cancel or postpone the course in the event that there are not sufficient numbers booked.  

GDPR: As this is mandatory training to retain membership of the MII the Trainer will be liaising with the MII in relation to attendances on the course and the booking form will seek permission under GDPR to provide attendance information to the MII as well as anonymised evaluation comments to assist their quality assurance.