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.

Dates:

2022 - January/February course January 27, 28 and February 3, 4
(1.30pm - 5.30pm GMT)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays

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

MII Code of Ethics and Practice 

Presented by Karen Erwin.  Wednesday 5th AND Thursday 6th January 9.30 – 11. 15 

ONLINE
3 CPD Points

MII Code of Ethics and Practice Training

Dates:  Delivered over two online sessions on Wednesday 5th January AND Thursday 6th January 9.30 – 11. 15 
             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.

MII Code of Ethics and Practice 

Presented by Karen Erwin.  8 and 9 December  9.00-10.30

ONLINE
3 CPD Points

MII Code of Ethics and Practice Training

Dates:  Delivered over two online sessions on Wednesday 8th December  AND Thursday 9th December 9.00-10.30
             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:      €75.00

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.

Training materials provided.

Payment 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.

Dates:

December course Dec 1, 2, 8, 9 (1.30pm - 5.30pm GMT)

Wednesdays and Thursdays

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

MII Code of Ethics and Practice 

Presented by Karen Erwin.  10 and 11 November 9.00-10.30

ONLINE
3 CPD Points

MII Code of Ethics and Practice Training

Dates:  Delivered over two online sessions on Wednesday 10th November  AND Thursday 11th November 9.00-10.30
             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:      €75.00

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.

Training materials provided.

Payment 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.

Dates:

November course Nov 4, 5, 11, 12 (1.30pm - 5.30pm GMT)

Thursdays and Fridays

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

CINERGY™ Conflict Management Coaching Workshop

Coaches help clients enhance their conflict management skills, find better ways of dealing with conflict situations and improve their communications when in difficult circumstances. This 8 half-day (online) intensive workshop will enable participants to begin coaching clients immediately on a one-to-one basis. It is suitable for working with managers, employees, people coping with difficulties situations and for people who want to enhance their conflict management and communication capacities.  You will:

•            Learn about and be able to coach people using the 7 stage CINERGY™ process

•            Understand conflict dynamics, coaching principles and essential coaching skills

•            Learn about and be able to use powerful questions that transform viewpoints

•            Receive one on one mentoring while you are coaching 

•            Get coached on your own hot buttons and managing difficult situations/people

Dates:  Tuesday and Wednesdays: 2^nd, 3^rd, 9^th, 10^th, 16^th, 17^th, 23^rd, 24^th November 2021

Times: 9.30am to 2pm with one 30 minute and two 5 minute comfort breaks daily.

Cost:    €1,295.00 with Early Bird Price of €995.00 (for registration before 1^st October 2021)

Course deliver: Online using Zoom platform

Trainers Catherine O’Connell and Mary Rafferty

Booking: For more information or to book a place please email either Catherine O’Connell:  catherine@blossomdevelopment.com or Mary Rafferty: mary@consensusmediation.ie

MII Code of Ethics and Practice 

Presented by Karen Erwin.  5th & 6th Oct.   12.30-14.00

ONLINE
3 CPD Points

MII Code of Ethics and Practice Training

Dates:  Delivered over two online sessions on Tuesday 5th October 12.30 - 14.00  AND Wednesday 6th October 12.30 - 14.00
             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:      €75.00

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.

Training materials provided.

Payment 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.

Sept/Oct course Sept 27, 28, Oct 4, 5 (1.30pm - 5.30pm GMT)

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

“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 

“I’ve just finished a brilliant online training course on Formulating and Asking Questions for Successful Outcomes in mediation, delivered by the wonderfully knowledgeable and published author, Gerry O'Sullivan. I highly recommend Gerry’s course - and her book!”

Rachael Bicknell, Founder Squaring Circles, Mediator & Solicitor, Edinburgh, Scotland

The online course is really insightful. It provides the opportunity not only to deepen the theoretical knowledge of the mediation process in a structured way, but also to practice some techniques with your peers.

Natalia Djandigava, Project Manager at Crisis Management Initiative (CMI), Moldova

I really enjoyed this thought-provoking online course and found it endlessly fascinating. It really will be a game changer for me with my mediations. Gerry brought the book alive and made the process of getting into the depth of the subject great fun as well. She gave so much of herself which brought it to another dimension. 

Amanda Gahan, Steadfast HR Consultancy, Dublin

If you have ever been in a Mediation and you know that you are stuck and need some guidance on how to transform the conflict this is the course for you. Gerry's online training will equip you with the confidence and the tools to navigate this space and become a better mediator. It has given me a template for asking questions that go beyond the traditional methods that I was familiar with.

Noreen Fitzpatrick, Focus Ireland

I just completed Gerry's online course and learned so much through a very practical and realistic approach. Gerry has a lovely way of gently getting to underlying issues which is invaluable, not just in business, but also day to day life.

Adrian Haines, Mediation, Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

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.

Dates:

Sept/Oct course Sept 27, 28, Oct 4, 5 (1.30pm - 5.30pm GMT)

Mondays and Tuesdays

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