Folberg et al. have gathered into one comprehensive volume the experience, conceptual frameworks, and opinions of a large group of leaders who have emerged in the family mediation field over the past 25 years. These interdisciplinary authors provide in-depth views of multiple aspects of contemporary family and divorce mediation. Examined are different mediation models that are now practiced in diverse settings; techniques and strategies for managing communication, power, impasses, and common elements of the mediation process; and ways to deal with such special issues as domestic violence and working with children. This book will be enormously useful to students of dispute resolution, mediation trainers, and novice and experienced mediators seeking more clarity in an ever-expanding and changing field.--Joan B. Kelly, PhD, psychologist and past president, Academy of Family MediatorsA terrific book--easily the best, most comprehensive text of its kind that I have seen. Having participated in the first family mediation in the Los Angeles County Conciliation Court in the early 1970's, I think this text marks the maturation of family mediation and defines it as an established profession. Included are contributions from most of the most respected and successful family mediators, beginning with basic theory and leading up to tangible advice about establishing a practice. Because of its breadth and depth, this is an excellent introductory text. It would be my first choice as a text in the training program for mediators we developed when I was the director of the Oregon Family Institute. It could also be used in courses dealing with families in transition within schools of social work or law and within a range of programs in mental health.--Hugh McIsaac, LCSW, Director (ret.), Oregon Family Institute, past Editor, Family and Conciliation Courts ReviewA landmark work in the field of conflict resolution. The authors, premier practitioners in family mediation, present a comprehensive overview of theories and approaches that can be successfully applied to resolve domestic disputes. They also share practical and effective strategies for addressing thorny issues, reaching agreements, and transforming conflict relationships for the good. This book should be read by experienced family mediators, and is highly suitable as an academic text to train the next generation of intermediaries.--Christopher Moore, PhD, author of The Mediation Process- A comprehensive text for practitioners and educators in the fields of divorce and family mediation....This book is well written, covers many important topics, and appeals to both practitioners and educators....Advanced-level practitioners will find it an excellent review....Represents an excellent contribution to the literature on divorce and family mediation. --The Family Journal, 5/14/2004ƒƒ A comprehensive overview of family mediation that exposes readers to a variety of styles and intervention strategies....If this text were supplemental reading for mediators in training, our future mediators would have greater exposure to other perspectives, allowing them to modify their approach based upon the unique needs of families rather than hold to a purist's narrow view. --Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 5/14/2004ƒƒ The chapter authors are leaders and innovators in family mediation, and professionals who work in social work, psychology, law, family health, and psychiatry. The editors have done a superb job in merging diverse writing styles and making certain that language which is particular to one discipline is translated so that all disciplines can understand it. This is a book which is practical and which will be useful to students as well as experienced practitioners in a field that is expanding and changing. I have no doubt that it is a historic landmark text, one which will be cited many times in the future. --Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 5/14/2004
