Case Stuties

Family Description of Problem:
Yvonne and her mother had been having increasingly intense arguments about house rules. Yvonne had been staying out later and later to avoid the her mother. She had often chosen to stay with friends rather than go home and was now talking about leaving home. Yvonne cannot bear to live at home any longer, but she also did not want to sever the relationship with her mother completely. Her mother was always telling her what to do and Yvonne was sick of being treated like a child. The mother has been angry that Yvonne had been talking to a stranger about their problems. The mother thinks that Yvonne was disrespectful and wouldn’t do anything to help her mother without a fight first. Yvonne’s mother felt unsupported.

Sexual Harassment Description of Problem:
Charges had been raised against “Joe” by “Elaine,” a female subordinate, to the effect that he had engaged in inappropriate, suggestive, and provocative language and other behaviors toward her. The company’s agenda was clear: this problem employee was to be “fixed” through the therapy process. In Joe’s defense the allegations against him had been grossly exaggerated and in some cases fabricated altogether by Elena. In Joe’s opinion, the allegations had less to do with his behavior toward the coworker and more to do with an ongoing conflict between them based on workplace “pecking order” and career advancement. They both realize the other’s behavior was affecting them terribly in the workplace.

Tenants Description of Problem:
Tenants, A, B and C, living on a small estate. A and C were making complaints about B, alleging verbal threats against their children, noise and intimidation. B made counter complaints, particularly about the older son of C, alleging bullying and harassment of her children.

Benefits of Mediation
* Mediation results tend to be long-lasting, durable; it is effective.

* Mediation is preventative.

* Preserves relationships and helps to redefine them in healthy ways.

* Mediation is private and confidential.

* Mediation is free.

* Mediation is empowering.