ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at some common elements of a mediation or conflict-resolving process from the neural embodiment perspective to consider how our intervention strategies and tactics might more intentionally take into account the neural experience of the parties. It offers the discussion not at all as definitively prescriptive but to encourage thinking about how people work and how our work might be adjusted to be more effective based on a neural understanding. The chapter looks at how the neural perspective sheds light on a number of theoretical issues neutrality, mediator influence, impasse, issues, positions and interests, recovery from betrayal or injury, settlement, educating parties and the public and reflective practice. It deals with some practice issues: location and setting, trust-building, active listening, activations and reactivity, emotions, expectancies management, priming, values conflicts, and somatic interventions. The chapter discusses five process design issues: caucusing, online mediation, site visits, an educational phase, and linking progress at the negotiation table with represented constituencies.
