ABSTRACT
This chapter starts by articulating the relational premises that underlie the transformative theory and discusses principles that arise from those premises and that guide the practice of transformative mediation. It illuminates the transformative approach to mediation, which is the effort by a third party to support changes in conflict interaction from alienated and destructive to connected and constructive. Transformative mediation is founded on a relational ideology that shapes both the theory and practice of transformative conflict intervention. In the relational framework, the mediator's goal is to support the transformation of the parties' conflict interaction by relying on interventions that foster each party's shifts toward greater empowerment and recognition. Transformative mediators sustain a belief that no matter how weak and self-absorbed parties may be, they are still capable of making shifts toward greater strength and responsiveness. Conflict interaction becomes more constructive and productive for the parties when the mediator supports shifts that create both party empowerment and inter-party recognition.
