The Mind of a Peacemaker: The Psychology of Mediation
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2023
Pages: 182
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2023
Pages: 180
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New Third Edition Now Available!
In a world where conflict seems to be escalating, it is essential to engage in this dialogue with future peacemakers. Interestingly, the research and literature in this field seem to be providing us guidance as to how we can better heal these differences.
Understanding the process of resolving conflicts through mediation has been most often viewed from the perspective of the law, from which it originated. The Mind of a Peacemaker brings together a psychological understanding of mediation, current thought in the field of conflict resolution, and guidance for future peacemakers. Through reviewing current research, interdisciplinary practices, and personal exercises, individuals seeking to become mediators can develop a deeper understanding of their role in the peacemaking process.
The peacemaker's journey includes learning the impact of a positive attitude; developing awareness of the emotional components of conflict; understanding the value of attending, listening, and being mindful; appreciating the complexities of building connections and relationships; and valuing the abilities needed to establish a culture of peace. These elements can lead those seeking to make a difference by resolving conflict, to develop skills and perspectives that include the role psychology has in mediation. Each chapter not only presents the background of psychology, mediation, and the process of conflict resolution, but also guidance for future mediators. The material helps individuals to reflect on what brings them to this calling and what personal issues they will need to address. Using a global perspective, the book provides the benefits that psychology can contribute to the field of mediation and peacemaking.
The New Third Edition of The Mind of a Peacemaker: The Psychology of Mediation:
- echoes and emphasizes recent research by Yampolsky (2022) and Waytz (2019) that we need each other and must learn to work together.
- embraces emerging research that focuses on how we can be more effective in mediation by embracing the tenants that founded mediation: listening, bringing people together, letting the parties guide the process (Galton, Love, and Weiss, 2021), developing more empathy toward each other despite political, religious, and cultural differences (Kapshuk & Shapira, 2022; Weiner, 2022; Abramson, 2021; Simon & Gutsell, 2021), and preventing conflict (Miller & Alomar, 2022; Putra, CampbellObaid, & Suwartono, 2020).
- expands the dialogue about mediation for peacemakers.
- provides updated references, topics related to the trends in mediation, new exercises, and three additional cases for students to practice mediation skills.
Dedication
Contents
Preface
Foreword
Chapter 1 Background and Overview
Peace Was Seen as the Answer Across Cultures
Making Peace: A History of Mediation in the United States
Law and Mediation
Styles of Mediation
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 1
Exercise 1 A Life of Conflict and Resolution
Chapter 2 Psychology and Mediation
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 2
Exercise 2 Facing Unresolved Conflicts within Ourselves
Exercise 3 The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument or TKI (Kilmann Diagnostics, 2019)
Exercise 4 Honoring the Conflict
Chapter 3 Core Questions about Change and Mediation
What Have We Learned about How People Change and What Have Psychologists Done to Help Them Change?
Freudian
Cognitive/Behavioral
Family Systems
Humanistic/Existential
A Shared Humanity
To the future peacemaker
How has Information about Psychology Been Integrated into the Mediation Process and What Are the Stages in the Process?
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 3
Exercise 5 How Do You See Yourself?
Exercise 6 What Type of Mediation Fits Your Personality?
Exercise 7 Remembering Our Commonality
Chapter 4 Approach Mediation with Positivity/Optimism
Invitation
Intention
Confidentiality
Ground Rules
Shared Goals
To the future peacemaker
Metaphors
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 4
Exercise 8 How Do You Connect?
Exercise 9 What Are the Metaphors that Guide Your Life?
Chapter 5 Be Aware of Emotions and Issues
Self-Awareness
Difference
Conflict
Awareness of the Process
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 5
Exercise 10 What Messages Were You Given?
Exercise 11 Read about Differences
To the future peacemaker
Chapter 6 Be Attentive, Listen, and Be Mindful
Listen
Empathy and Compassion
Mindfulness
Empowerment
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 6
Exercise 12 Listening Is the Key
Exercise 13 Who has Helped You?
Exercise 14 Mindfulness in Mediation Exercise
Exercise 15 Understanding the Imposter in Each of Us
Chapter 7 Build Connections
Honesty
Reframing
Accepting
Forgiving
Humility
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 7
Exercise 16 Honesty with Myself and Others
Exercise 17 Reframing Practice Sessions
Exercise 18 Forgiving Ourselves
Chapter 8 Establish a Culture of Peace
Systems Thinking
Preventing Conflict
Promoting Peace
A Worldview of Mediation
Assumptions in Mediation
Context and Culture of Mediation
To the future mediator
Resources for Chapter 8
Exercise 19 Systems that Impact My Life
Exercise 20 Promoting Peace
Exercise 21 Assumptions I Live By
Chapter 9 Future Directions in Mediation
Research in Mediation
Mediation in International Disputes
Ethics for Mediators
Training and Practice: The Future of Mediation
Training and Tournaments
Online Dispute Resolution
Spirituality in Mediation
A Summary
Psychology and the Field of Mediation
To the future peacemaker
Chapter 10 Practice Role Plays
A Brief Overview of the Mediation Process
Opening Statement
The Working Phase of a Mediation
Observer Feedback
Reflection After the Role Play
Role Play
Common Facts: The Plagiarized Paper
Role Play 2
Common Facts: Miller v North High
Role Play 3
Common Facts: Musical Opportunity Lost
Role Play 4
Common Facts: Stein v Midlands Detention Center
Role Play 5
Common Facts: The Wandering Dog Case—Johnson v Brown
Role Play 6
Common Facts: Nguyen v CHA Fertility Clinic
Appendix A Role Play: Confidential Facts Side 1
Role Play 1: The Plagiarized Paper
Confidential Facts for Dr Gonzalez and the Advocate
Role Play 2: Miller v North High School
Confidential Facts for North High School and the Advocate
Role Play 3: Musical Opportunity Lost
Confidential Facts for Dana and the Advocate
Role Play 4: Stein v Midlands Detention Center
Confidential Facts for Stein and the Advocate
Role Play 5: Wandering Dog Case
Confidential Facts for Blake Johnson and the Advocate
Role Play 6: Nguyen v CHA Fertility Clinic
Confidential Facts for Nguyen and the Advocate
Appendix B Role Play: Confidential Facts Side 2
Role Play 1: The Plagiarized Paper
Confidential Facts for Quinn and the Advocate
Role Play 2: Miller v North High School
Confidential Facts for the Millers and the Advocate
Role Play 3: Musical Opportunity Lost
Confidential Information for Taylor and the Advocate
Role Play 4: Stein v Midlands Detention Center
Confidential Facts for Midlands Detention Center Warden and the Advocate
Role Play 5: Wandering Dog Case
Confidential Facts for The Wandering Dog Case—Pat Brown and the Advocate
Role Play 6: Nguyen vs CHA Fertility Clinic
Confidential Facts for CHA Fertility Clinic and the Advocate
References
Index
Dr. Mary Lou Frank is a licensed psychologist and mediator. Her Ph.D. and M.S. in Psychology as well as her M.Ed. in Counseling and B.A. in Speech (Communication) are from Colorado State University. Completing training in Advanced Negotiations for Executives at Harvard University, she received mediation training at Brenau University and Georgia State University. She served as a mediator for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. A state approved neutral for the courts in Georgia, she is the President of the International Academy of Dispute Resolution. She is co-founder of the consulting group, Transforming Mediation and a Fellow at the Institute for Higher Education at the University of Georgia. She continues to teach psychology at Brenau and Middle Georgia State Universities. She has served as a professor, department chair, dean, associate vice president, and interim vice president and consults and trains nationally and internationally on mediation, mindfulness, diversity, ethics, and leadership. She has published in journals and textbooks in psychology and counseling. She received the Distinguished Provider Award in Counseling and has been the recipient of grants and awards in leadership, teaching, diversity, and community service.
Mary Lou Frank, who is now president of the International Academy of Dispute Resolution has maintained a leadership role for the past 10 years. She and her husband, Ken, have trained students worldwide in mediation from Dubai to Dublin, from Kiev and Athens to Singapore, and, of course, throughout the United States. Speaking for the INADR board she has not only been a leader but a true inspiration to all of us.
Dick Calkins, Esq.
Founder of Mock Trial, Mock Mediation and Former Dean, Drake University Law School
There is no other professional like Dr. Mary Lou Frank—a born mediator and a peacemaker who taught, trained and inspired many mediators around the globe. Being humbled by Dr. Frank’s expertise, heart and passion towards mediation, it is clear to me that no recommendation is ample enough for The Mind of a Peacemaker. Dr. Frank has an enviable ability to present most unintuitive and difficult concepts in an effortless manner a reader of ‘The mind of a peacemaker: The psychology of mediation’ immediately delves into the fascinating world presented there and through practical exercises has ‘hands on experience’ where she/he can improve or master her/his understanding and skills. It is valuable for every mediator whether aspiring or well-seasoned. In essence, even great peacemakers with vast experience will find this book instrumental.
Agnieszka Majka-Góra Mediator, Attorney
Vice President, International Academy for Dispute Resolution
Co-Founder, SOLVO Negotiation & Mediation
Kraków, Poland
The Mind of a Peacemaker is an insightful guide full of important information for those of us who want to understand how sense emotions and other psychological concepts can affect the conflict resolution process. I look forward to incorporating this captivating material into my future conflict resolution trainings!
Nicole Hull, Esq.
Certified Mediator and Mediation Trainer, Attorney
Hull Law Firm
Athens, Georgia, USA
Dr. Frank’s The Mind of a Peacemaker provides insight into the mechanics of dispute resolution, is informative of the matters to consider when mediating, and is indispensable in understanding the wants and needs of the parties in dispute. With this knowledge, you will gain an empathetic understanding of the power of mediation to more effectively mediate disputes and achieve a just resolution.
John Lag, Esq.
John Lag Attorney
Chicago, Ill, USA
Dr. Frank combines her extensive professional background, involvement and research as a licensed psychologist with her impressive work and acumen as a mediator in developing this useful and practical approach to resolving disputes through mediation. Drawing from her experience as an educator, Dr. Frank provides current and future mediators with not only her unique insight and perspective, but practical tools to better equip mediators in becoming peacemakers. The reader will have an enhanced understanding of the viability of mediation and be enriched by Dr. Frank’s psychological approach.
Dennis R. Favaro, Esq.
Favaro & Gorman, Ltd.
Chicago, ILL, USA
Dr. Frank’s unparalleled perspective in mediation and psychology creates a unique, must have text for any future mediator looking to elevate their understanding of mediation beyond the “how,” and go deeper into the scientific “why” for both the process and the practitioner.
Kamau Hull, Esq.
Certified Mediator and Trainer, Attorney
Hull Law Firm
Athens, Georgia, USA
Because of her training as psychologist, Mary Lou Bryant Frank brings to her mediations those highly-prized mediator skills of active listening, mindfulness, and empathy, as well as the necessary self-awareness to detect and keep in check her own emotions and reactions. Not only is she a skilled mediator, but she is also a highly effective President of the International Academy of Dispute Resolution, which trains mediators around the world. Her new book, The Mind of a Peacemaker is a welcome addition to mediation literature as it will help mediators better understand the ways in which psychology can be used to improve their mediations.
Susan Sloane
Attorney/Mediator
Mediator’s Panel at the Cambridge Dispute Settlement Center
Boston, MA, USA
Dr. Frank, or Mary Lou as we know her, is the person who always finds the right words in every situation. She knows not only what to say to help solve the problem in front of her but also how to say it so the recipient can hear it, understand it and make the best out of the advice. I believe that these crucial abilities come in large part from her long years of experience as a licensed psychologist as well as her excellent academic and educational background. However, what makes Dr. Frank and her work genuinely exceptional is the fact that she truly cares about the people around her and about spreading the peaceful approach to dispute resolution.
We all have a lot to learn from Dr. Frank and I cannot be happier knowing that her knowledge and perspective are now put on paper and available to everybody, as she truly has dedicated her life to making peace—in people’s minds, in everyday situations and where large scale conflicts are in place.
Miglė Žukauskaitė Ph.D.
Lawyer
Vilnius, Lithuania
The work and teachings of Dr. Mary Lou Bryant Frank embodied in The Mind of a Peacemaker undeniably give credence to the importance and value of peacemaking in the realm of law. In the second updated edition of The Mind of a Peacemaker Dr. Frank again, step by step untangles the complex bundle of human relations with tools made available to us though the science of psychology. In the spirit of transformative mediation, Dr. Frank offers a truly holistic assessment of the paramount importance of the interplay between emotions, empathy and effective conflict resolution.
I strongly believe that The Mind of a Peacemaker should be made a mandatory course curriculum read, not only for aspiring lawyers and mediators, but for everyone who values and appreciates peace. Also, the book opens up a bigger discussion of the soft skill development building process in the academia. For those and many other reasons, the value of Dr. Frank’s work is nothing short of amazing. By reading The Mind of a Peacemaker you are invited to venture on an amazing journey and join a community of peacemakers. I hope you are ready.
Maria Cudowska, Ph.D., LL.M.
Assistant Professor at the University of Białystok, Poland
Reading this intriguing title, “The Mind of a Peacemaker,” would sound ambitious without mentioning the name of one of the most potent peacemakers—Dr. Mary Lou Frank. After discovering the author, you are prepared to entirely fall into the mind of a peacemaker. Be ready to follow Dr. Mary Lou in the labyrinth of unstudied spheres, where she skillfully leads the readers and lets them see the mediation from every possible angle. With the help of her guidance, at the end of this fantastic journey, the most prudent reader will find a lot of yet unfound doors to the World of Mediation.
Moreover, those blessed readers, who had a chance to meet the author personally, will find themselves reading every sentence in her unique manner—with the tone of peace in her voice and a smile on her face, encouraging them to smile back.
If you, my dear reader, are holding this book and reading these words, I want to congratulate you on the first steps in this inspirational journey.
Ana Khurtsidze, Vice President, INADR
Dean, University of Georgia Law School, Tbilisi, Georgia
New Third Edition Now Available!
In a world where conflict seems to be escalating, it is essential to engage in this dialogue with future peacemakers. Interestingly, the research and literature in this field seem to be providing us guidance as to how we can better heal these differences.
Understanding the process of resolving conflicts through mediation has been most often viewed from the perspective of the law, from which it originated. The Mind of a Peacemaker brings together a psychological understanding of mediation, current thought in the field of conflict resolution, and guidance for future peacemakers. Through reviewing current research, interdisciplinary practices, and personal exercises, individuals seeking to become mediators can develop a deeper understanding of their role in the peacemaking process.
The peacemaker's journey includes learning the impact of a positive attitude; developing awareness of the emotional components of conflict; understanding the value of attending, listening, and being mindful; appreciating the complexities of building connections and relationships; and valuing the abilities needed to establish a culture of peace. These elements can lead those seeking to make a difference by resolving conflict, to develop skills and perspectives that include the role psychology has in mediation. Each chapter not only presents the background of psychology, mediation, and the process of conflict resolution, but also guidance for future mediators. The material helps individuals to reflect on what brings them to this calling and what personal issues they will need to address. Using a global perspective, the book provides the benefits that psychology can contribute to the field of mediation and peacemaking.
The New Third Edition of The Mind of a Peacemaker: The Psychology of Mediation:
- echoes and emphasizes recent research by Yampolsky (2022) and Waytz (2019) that we need each other and must learn to work together.
- embraces emerging research that focuses on how we can be more effective in mediation by embracing the tenants that founded mediation: listening, bringing people together, letting the parties guide the process (Galton, Love, and Weiss, 2021), developing more empathy toward each other despite political, religious, and cultural differences (Kapshuk & Shapira, 2022; Weiner, 2022; Abramson, 2021; Simon & Gutsell, 2021), and preventing conflict (Miller & Alomar, 2022; Putra, CampbellObaid, & Suwartono, 2020).
- expands the dialogue about mediation for peacemakers.
- provides updated references, topics related to the trends in mediation, new exercises, and three additional cases for students to practice mediation skills.
Dedication
Contents
Preface
Foreword
Chapter 1 Background and Overview
Peace Was Seen as the Answer Across Cultures
Making Peace: A History of Mediation in the United States
Law and Mediation
Styles of Mediation
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 1
Exercise 1 A Life of Conflict and Resolution
Chapter 2 Psychology and Mediation
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 2
Exercise 2 Facing Unresolved Conflicts within Ourselves
Exercise 3 The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument or TKI (Kilmann Diagnostics, 2019)
Exercise 4 Honoring the Conflict
Chapter 3 Core Questions about Change and Mediation
What Have We Learned about How People Change and What Have Psychologists Done to Help Them Change?
Freudian
Cognitive/Behavioral
Family Systems
Humanistic/Existential
A Shared Humanity
To the future peacemaker
How has Information about Psychology Been Integrated into the Mediation Process and What Are the Stages in the Process?
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 3
Exercise 5 How Do You See Yourself?
Exercise 6 What Type of Mediation Fits Your Personality?
Exercise 7 Remembering Our Commonality
Chapter 4 Approach Mediation with Positivity/Optimism
Invitation
Intention
Confidentiality
Ground Rules
Shared Goals
To the future peacemaker
Metaphors
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 4
Exercise 8 How Do You Connect?
Exercise 9 What Are the Metaphors that Guide Your Life?
Chapter 5 Be Aware of Emotions and Issues
Self-Awareness
Difference
Conflict
Awareness of the Process
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 5
Exercise 10 What Messages Were You Given?
Exercise 11 Read about Differences
To the future peacemaker
Chapter 6 Be Attentive, Listen, and Be Mindful
Listen
Empathy and Compassion
Mindfulness
Empowerment
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 6
Exercise 12 Listening Is the Key
Exercise 13 Who has Helped You?
Exercise 14 Mindfulness in Mediation Exercise
Exercise 15 Understanding the Imposter in Each of Us
Chapter 7 Build Connections
Honesty
Reframing
Accepting
Forgiving
Humility
To the future peacemaker
Resources for Chapter 7
Exercise 16 Honesty with Myself and Others
Exercise 17 Reframing Practice Sessions
Exercise 18 Forgiving Ourselves
Chapter 8 Establish a Culture of Peace
Systems Thinking
Preventing Conflict
Promoting Peace
A Worldview of Mediation
Assumptions in Mediation
Context and Culture of Mediation
To the future mediator
Resources for Chapter 8
Exercise 19 Systems that Impact My Life
Exercise 20 Promoting Peace
Exercise 21 Assumptions I Live By
Chapter 9 Future Directions in Mediation
Research in Mediation
Mediation in International Disputes
Ethics for Mediators
Training and Practice: The Future of Mediation
Training and Tournaments
Online Dispute Resolution
Spirituality in Mediation
A Summary
Psychology and the Field of Mediation
To the future peacemaker
Chapter 10 Practice Role Plays
A Brief Overview of the Mediation Process
Opening Statement
The Working Phase of a Mediation
Observer Feedback
Reflection After the Role Play
Role Play
Common Facts: The Plagiarized Paper
Role Play 2
Common Facts: Miller v North High
Role Play 3
Common Facts: Musical Opportunity Lost
Role Play 4
Common Facts: Stein v Midlands Detention Center
Role Play 5
Common Facts: The Wandering Dog Case—Johnson v Brown
Role Play 6
Common Facts: Nguyen v CHA Fertility Clinic
Appendix A Role Play: Confidential Facts Side 1
Role Play 1: The Plagiarized Paper
Confidential Facts for Dr Gonzalez and the Advocate
Role Play 2: Miller v North High School
Confidential Facts for North High School and the Advocate
Role Play 3: Musical Opportunity Lost
Confidential Facts for Dana and the Advocate
Role Play 4: Stein v Midlands Detention Center
Confidential Facts for Stein and the Advocate
Role Play 5: Wandering Dog Case
Confidential Facts for Blake Johnson and the Advocate
Role Play 6: Nguyen v CHA Fertility Clinic
Confidential Facts for Nguyen and the Advocate
Appendix B Role Play: Confidential Facts Side 2
Role Play 1: The Plagiarized Paper
Confidential Facts for Quinn and the Advocate
Role Play 2: Miller v North High School
Confidential Facts for the Millers and the Advocate
Role Play 3: Musical Opportunity Lost
Confidential Information for Taylor and the Advocate
Role Play 4: Stein v Midlands Detention Center
Confidential Facts for Midlands Detention Center Warden and the Advocate
Role Play 5: Wandering Dog Case
Confidential Facts for The Wandering Dog Case—Pat Brown and the Advocate
Role Play 6: Nguyen vs CHA Fertility Clinic
Confidential Facts for CHA Fertility Clinic and the Advocate
References
Index
Dr. Mary Lou Frank is a licensed psychologist and mediator. Her Ph.D. and M.S. in Psychology as well as her M.Ed. in Counseling and B.A. in Speech (Communication) are from Colorado State University. Completing training in Advanced Negotiations for Executives at Harvard University, she received mediation training at Brenau University and Georgia State University. She served as a mediator for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. A state approved neutral for the courts in Georgia, she is the President of the International Academy of Dispute Resolution. She is co-founder of the consulting group, Transforming Mediation and a Fellow at the Institute for Higher Education at the University of Georgia. She continues to teach psychology at Brenau and Middle Georgia State Universities. She has served as a professor, department chair, dean, associate vice president, and interim vice president and consults and trains nationally and internationally on mediation, mindfulness, diversity, ethics, and leadership. She has published in journals and textbooks in psychology and counseling. She received the Distinguished Provider Award in Counseling and has been the recipient of grants and awards in leadership, teaching, diversity, and community service.
Mary Lou Frank, who is now president of the International Academy of Dispute Resolution has maintained a leadership role for the past 10 years. She and her husband, Ken, have trained students worldwide in mediation from Dubai to Dublin, from Kiev and Athens to Singapore, and, of course, throughout the United States. Speaking for the INADR board she has not only been a leader but a true inspiration to all of us.
Dick Calkins, Esq.
Founder of Mock Trial, Mock Mediation and Former Dean, Drake University Law School
There is no other professional like Dr. Mary Lou Frank—a born mediator and a peacemaker who taught, trained and inspired many mediators around the globe. Being humbled by Dr. Frank’s expertise, heart and passion towards mediation, it is clear to me that no recommendation is ample enough for The Mind of a Peacemaker. Dr. Frank has an enviable ability to present most unintuitive and difficult concepts in an effortless manner a reader of ‘The mind of a peacemaker: The psychology of mediation’ immediately delves into the fascinating world presented there and through practical exercises has ‘hands on experience’ where she/he can improve or master her/his understanding and skills. It is valuable for every mediator whether aspiring or well-seasoned. In essence, even great peacemakers with vast experience will find this book instrumental.
Agnieszka Majka-Góra Mediator, Attorney
Vice President, International Academy for Dispute Resolution
Co-Founder, SOLVO Negotiation & Mediation
Kraków, Poland
The Mind of a Peacemaker is an insightful guide full of important information for those of us who want to understand how sense emotions and other psychological concepts can affect the conflict resolution process. I look forward to incorporating this captivating material into my future conflict resolution trainings!
Nicole Hull, Esq.
Certified Mediator and Mediation Trainer, Attorney
Hull Law Firm
Athens, Georgia, USA
Dr. Frank’s The Mind of a Peacemaker provides insight into the mechanics of dispute resolution, is informative of the matters to consider when mediating, and is indispensable in understanding the wants and needs of the parties in dispute. With this knowledge, you will gain an empathetic understanding of the power of mediation to more effectively mediate disputes and achieve a just resolution.
John Lag, Esq.
John Lag Attorney
Chicago, Ill, USA
Dr. Frank combines her extensive professional background, involvement and research as a licensed psychologist with her impressive work and acumen as a mediator in developing this useful and practical approach to resolving disputes through mediation. Drawing from her experience as an educator, Dr. Frank provides current and future mediators with not only her unique insight and perspective, but practical tools to better equip mediators in becoming peacemakers. The reader will have an enhanced understanding of the viability of mediation and be enriched by Dr. Frank’s psychological approach.
Dennis R. Favaro, Esq.
Favaro & Gorman, Ltd.
Chicago, ILL, USA
Dr. Frank’s unparalleled perspective in mediation and psychology creates a unique, must have text for any future mediator looking to elevate their understanding of mediation beyond the “how,” and go deeper into the scientific “why” for both the process and the practitioner.
Kamau Hull, Esq.
Certified Mediator and Trainer, Attorney
Hull Law Firm
Athens, Georgia, USA
Because of her training as psychologist, Mary Lou Bryant Frank brings to her mediations those highly-prized mediator skills of active listening, mindfulness, and empathy, as well as the necessary self-awareness to detect and keep in check her own emotions and reactions. Not only is she a skilled mediator, but she is also a highly effective President of the International Academy of Dispute Resolution, which trains mediators around the world. Her new book, The Mind of a Peacemaker is a welcome addition to mediation literature as it will help mediators better understand the ways in which psychology can be used to improve their mediations.
Susan Sloane
Attorney/Mediator
Mediator’s Panel at the Cambridge Dispute Settlement Center
Boston, MA, USA
Dr. Frank, or Mary Lou as we know her, is the person who always finds the right words in every situation. She knows not only what to say to help solve the problem in front of her but also how to say it so the recipient can hear it, understand it and make the best out of the advice. I believe that these crucial abilities come in large part from her long years of experience as a licensed psychologist as well as her excellent academic and educational background. However, what makes Dr. Frank and her work genuinely exceptional is the fact that she truly cares about the people around her and about spreading the peaceful approach to dispute resolution.
We all have a lot to learn from Dr. Frank and I cannot be happier knowing that her knowledge and perspective are now put on paper and available to everybody, as she truly has dedicated her life to making peace—in people’s minds, in everyday situations and where large scale conflicts are in place.
Miglė Žukauskaitė Ph.D.
Lawyer
Vilnius, Lithuania
The work and teachings of Dr. Mary Lou Bryant Frank embodied in The Mind of a Peacemaker undeniably give credence to the importance and value of peacemaking in the realm of law. In the second updated edition of The Mind of a Peacemaker Dr. Frank again, step by step untangles the complex bundle of human relations with tools made available to us though the science of psychology. In the spirit of transformative mediation, Dr. Frank offers a truly holistic assessment of the paramount importance of the interplay between emotions, empathy and effective conflict resolution.
I strongly believe that The Mind of a Peacemaker should be made a mandatory course curriculum read, not only for aspiring lawyers and mediators, but for everyone who values and appreciates peace. Also, the book opens up a bigger discussion of the soft skill development building process in the academia. For those and many other reasons, the value of Dr. Frank’s work is nothing short of amazing. By reading The Mind of a Peacemaker you are invited to venture on an amazing journey and join a community of peacemakers. I hope you are ready.
Maria Cudowska, Ph.D., LL.M.
Assistant Professor at the University of Białystok, Poland
Reading this intriguing title, “The Mind of a Peacemaker,” would sound ambitious without mentioning the name of one of the most potent peacemakers—Dr. Mary Lou Frank. After discovering the author, you are prepared to entirely fall into the mind of a peacemaker. Be ready to follow Dr. Mary Lou in the labyrinth of unstudied spheres, where she skillfully leads the readers and lets them see the mediation from every possible angle. With the help of her guidance, at the end of this fantastic journey, the most prudent reader will find a lot of yet unfound doors to the World of Mediation.
Moreover, those blessed readers, who had a chance to meet the author personally, will find themselves reading every sentence in her unique manner—with the tone of peace in her voice and a smile on her face, encouraging them to smile back.
If you, my dear reader, are holding this book and reading these words, I want to congratulate you on the first steps in this inspirational journey.
Ana Khurtsidze, Vice President, INADR
Dean, University of Georgia Law School, Tbilisi, Georgia