What is mediation?
A mediator acts as a neutral between two disputing parties. She helps parties find creative solutions to their conflict.
Together with a mediator, parties to a dispute are often able to negotiate an agreement that governs their future relationship; sometimes they are able to fully restore their relationship and achieve reconciliation. In either case, they determine the outcome.
The mediator is not a judge who renders a verdict. He is an impartial third party who facilitates participants’ own creative problem solving efforts.
Why would I need mediation?
People who find themselves in conflict are often able sit down together and resolve their differences. This is the best approach to conflict resolution when possible.
On occasion, however, disputants require an impartial third party to help them overcome barriers to reconciliation. Some conflicts are, by their very nature, impossible to solve without outside assistance.
If you would like to discuss whether mediation is the correct process in your particular situation, please contact us at 818-889-0697 or fill out the contact form to arrange for a consultation.
Does mediation work?
Mediation produces the highest level of satisfaction of all dispute resolution approaches. While it does not lead to resolution in all cases, it does result in resolution in a high percentage of cases.
Mediation has revolutionized the courts. In civil court, less than 5% of cases filed now go to trial. A high percentage of cases settled outside of the courtroom are now settled with the help of a mediator.
Does mediation apply only in conflict that has reached the courts?
No. Mediation is not restricted to the “litigated case.” The process is appropriate in many different settings. Contact us to see if your particular situation is right for mediation.
It is best if mediation is convened before a conflict escalates into litigation; the potential savings in time and money can be significant. The probability of resolution is higher when it takes place early in the life of the conflict. The more positions have hardened and the more money spent in litigation, the more difficult it is to reach a resolution.
How does Taming the Wolf mediation differ from other approaches?
The Taming approach integrates faith into the mediation process.
We believe that conflict presents the possibility of either ruin or opportunity. In spiritually transformative mediation, conflict becomes an opportunity for spiritual growth.
By integrating spirituality with other personal resources, we achieve a deeper and more lasting reconciliation while addressing issues that often go unnoticed.
Do all parties involved need to express an interest in faith in order to participate?
If both parties enter the process with mutual interest in matters of faith, they are more likely to see gains. However, agreement regarding faith is not a prerequisite.
Often those who do not profess a faith also benefit from this more comprehensive approach to reconciliation. They discover previously unexpressed concerns and views regarding spirituality.
Francis of Assisi was known as the Universal Brother; he does not place restrictions on our ability to bring peace.
Who are the mediators affiliated with Taming the Wolf?
Greg Stone received a Masters in Dispute Resolution (MDR) from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Law School of Pepperdine University. He has mediated cases in the Los Angeles Superior Court in the Small Claims, Limited Jurisdiction, and General Jurisdiction Civil Court.
In the future we will train a number of mediators to deliver services in a spiritually transformative style. The Institute will be home to a panel of trained mediators who can be called on as third-party neutrals. Both lawyer-mediators and non-lawyer mediators will be available.
Is mediation only for individuals?
No. Mediation also works at the group level. There are specialized mediation techniques, such as learning conversations, which help groups overcome impasse.
What should I do if I have a difficult time convincing the other party to participate?
The convening stage—getting to the table—can be one of the most difficult stages of conflict resolution. A mediator can assist, speaking with both parties individually to discuss how the process might benefit them. Often a mediator is able to convene mediation even when parties were unable to convene on their own.
If I need help understanding conflict resolution can a mediator help?
A mediator can serve as a conflict resolution coach.
Even if you have retained another mediator or decided to resolve the conflict on your own but want additional education, you can ask a mediator to coach you through the process.
Taming the Wolf Institute mediators can coach you as you consider how you will apply your faith to ongoing conflict.
Does mediation cost money?
While you may be able to use a pro bono mediator in the courts for a limited number of hours, typically you will pay for 
mediation services. Most often parties split the fees.
Cost varies from case to case. Consult with the mediator after he or she has been briefed regarding your particular situation.
In most instances, mediation saves the parties considerable expense when compared to alternatives.
Mediation and Reconciliation Services
The following list highlights a few of the types of disputes we mediate.
• Disputes between individuals
• Business to business disputes
• Business vendor disputes
• Employment disputes
• Domestic relations or divorce
• Faith-based diplomacy
• Parish conflict
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