Co-Winner of:

CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution

2008 Outstanding Book Award

Challenging Conflict: Mediation Through Understanding
By Gary Friedman and Jack Himmelstein

Published by the American Bar Association in cooperation with the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School

"This revolutionary book shows how through mediation parties can escape the trap of conflict rather than remain ensnared within its grasp at enormous cost to themselves and others. The authors demonstrate how mediators, and lawyers, can support parties to work together effectively in ways that deeply respect their humanity. Through the telling of ten riveting stories of actual commercial mediations, the principles and methodologies of the understanding-based approach come alive. In so "challenging conflict," the authors also challenge the conflict resolution field to reach for more."

Book Reviews:

Diane Levin, Mediation Channel, February 2010:   "[T]his is ... a book with something to offer mediators at all skill levels, from the new mediator to the experienced trainer looking for resources for his or her students. The transcripts throughout allow readers to listen in to not just phrases or snatches of conversation, but to entire conversations between mediator and parties, so that readers hear how the mediator responds to what is unfolding in the moment, which gives a realistic sense of the ebb and flow of dialogue at the table. They offer numerous examples of “mediator speak” as the authors demonstrate their skills in helping people find solutions to the seemingly intractable problems they face.  These detailed transcripts serve as the next best thing to being a fly on the wall in a real mediation." ... For the full review, click here

Adam Berner, The Mediate.com Weekly, July 2009:   "Even for the most avid of readers, there is just so much written out there that it is overwhelming to zero in on must-read books. This is especially true as our field expands. So, in case the accolades from leaders in our mediation field do not suffice, including Professors Carrie Menkel-Meadow, Bernie Mayer and Robert Mnookin, let me say that Challenging Conflict, Mediation Through Understanding, published in cooperation with the Harvard Program on Negotiation, is a must-read for any mediator serious about deepening his or her mediation skills and seeking greater opportunities to help parties in conflict." ... For the full review, click here

Book Notes, Negotiation newsletter, November 2008: This article first appeared in Negotiation newsletter, a monthly newsletter published by the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. www.pon.harvard.edu, Copyright 2008, Harvard University. “Lawyers, mediators, and other negotiators who recognize the value of a collaborative approach to bargaining are likely to find that Challenging Conflict offers a useful template for applying these proven principles to seemingly intractable disputes.”  … For the full review, click here

Joe Epstein, International Academy of Mediators, Mediation Newsletter, September 2008:  "As the regular book reviewer for the International Academy of Mediators, I have the opportunity to read many fine books. From some I have gained insights and understanding that I hope have found their way into my mediation practice, and others have provided re-enforcement and clear rationale for practices and techniques I had instinctively adopted. Gary Friedman and Jack Himmelstein’s book, Challenging Conflict: Mediation Through Understanding, is quite simply profound." ... For the full review, click here

For more information, including ordering, please click here.

A Guide to Divorce Mediation
Gary Friedman, Workman Publishing, 1993

This book provides practical insight and guidance for a party considering divorce mediation. The book lists four criteria necessary for every couple about to enter into mediation: motivation to mediate, self-responsibility, willingness to disagree, and willingness to agree. Gary explains the ground rules, the legal ramifications, and where to find a mediator. Also included are 12 detailed case studies to show how in almost all instances mediation has succeeded with a variety of personalities and situations.

German edition:
Die Scheidungs-Mediation Anleitungen zueiner Fairen Trennung, Rowohlt, 1996.
 
For more information on ordering this book, click here.