When mediating, one party does not always understand or hear what is being said by the other party. Mediators often use a technique called reframing to overcome this problem.
“Framing refers to the way a conflict is described or a proposal is worded; reframing is the process of changing the way a thought is presented so that it maintains its fundamental meaning but is more likely to support resolution efforts.” Parties can engage in reframing on their own, but it can be extremely helpful to have a third party, mediator or facilitator’ to guide the process. It becomes the mediator’s or third party’s job to restate what each party has said in a way that causes less resistance or hostility. In other words, the mediator helps disputants communicate and redefine the way they think about the dispute, in the hopes of enabling cooperation between opposing sides. The ultimate goal of reframing is to create a common definition of the problem acceptable to both parties and increase the potential for more collaborative and integrative solutions” Brad Spangler https://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/joint_reframing#sthash.jZVIJy0X.dpbs
I am always amazed how well this works and a party will say, “Now I understand.”
I have also found that people process information differently. I have written things out on a flip chart and then the party understands.
However, parties are often emotionally charged and don’t hear things. It is not a bad idea to repeat essential information a few times.
Learn more about mediation at https://www.center-divorce-mediation.com CDM (346) 1/20/18