Transformative mediation addresses conflict at it's most important level. Rather than imposing a settlement on the parties, the transformative mediator supports parties in their own efforts to regain their ability to take good care of themselves and each other. The United States Postal Service and the Transportation Security Administration have chosen transformative mediation as their preferred method for addressing employment discrimination claims. And over 90% of employees and over 90% of management officials report being satisfied with the process. I've used this approach in hundreds of family cases, as well as many business partnership, inheritance, family business, and employment disputes.

All of my trainings are interactive, fun, and pre-approved for continuing education credits.

Instructor: Dan Simon, MA, J.D. is the first certified transformative mediator in Minnesota. He has trained mediators nationally for the U.S. Postal Service and for the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation. He provides transformative mediation of all types of disputes, including family, employment, and business. He received his B.A., with Honors, from UC: Berkeley; he received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Minnesota School of Law; and he received his M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Minnesota. He has been licensed to practice law in Minnesota since 1992, but has practiced and taught only mediation since 1998.

Guest Instructors & Guest Coaches: To be announced. Past guest instructors have included: Jim Coben, Director of Hamline University School of Law’s Dispute Resolution Institute; Honorable Sue Cochrane of the District Court in Hennepin County; Ken Fox, Professor of Law and Conflict Studies at Hamline University; Aimee Gourlay, former executive director of The Mediation Center for Dispute Resolution; Jessica Kuchta-Miller, a leader of the Twin Cities mediation community. Past coaches have included Carey HeartBorne, Director of From the Heart Mediation.

Upcoming Events

Take a look at the trainings planned for the next 3 months. Call with any questions.

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Participant Comments

Sara Rabie, MA, Faculty, St. George's School of Medicine:  "Your workshop has had an important impact on my personal and professional interactions with individuals and it has provided insight into the forces at work in others'  conflicts."

Tamerin Horstman, M.A., Mediator/Consultant:  "Dan’s ability to teach in a transformative way is amazing. He reflects, amplifies and empowers participants as we learn and practice technique through exercises and role-plays.  He teaches with compassion, respect and humor. He generously shares his in-depth knowledge of transformative mediation practices. As a result of this training, I feel more empowered and skilled as a professional mediator, as well as in my personal relationships. Thank you, Dan!"

Melvin Ogurak, Ogurak Family Law & Mediation, P.A.:  "The overwhelming feedback from the other participants was that the seminar was extremely informative and very well presented. I wholeheartedly agree. The seminar kept my rapt attention from early morning to evening five consecutive days. The interactive exercises and Mr. Simon's presentations allowed me to learn emotionally as well as intellectually. I have used Mr. Simon's transformative model with the utmost success and satisfaction to those in conflict. I highly and without reservation recommend Dan Simon as a trainer."

Janet Collins, Mediation Unlimited:  "With Dan's style of teaching, one is encouraged to think about one's own perspective and pose questions of him and others in the group. Dan models the transformative framework in his sessions be using these questions not to teach from the top down, but from the inside out. His unassuming manor and use of light humor make the sessions a real pleasure."

Bonnie Westlin, Attorney and Mediator:  "It was a remarkable course, and I really value the skills I learned from Dan. Even when I do not necessarily have my 'mediator hat' on, I find that what I learned about the dynamics of conflict are so helpful in so many situations, and that by using some of the skills and understanding I gained from the training, I can contribute to reducing conflict in a way that facilitates more productive discussions and/or negotiations. This applies both to my work and personal life. I unreservedly recommend Dan's trainings."

Dana McKenzie, Attorney at Law, Wolf, Rohr & McKenzie:  "The skills I learned will impact every aspect of my family law practice."

C.L.:  "Thanks for your presentation this noon. I think the audience was very interested in the discussion and I know your delivery was easy to understand and listen to. Thanks very much."

M.D.:  "I attended your 'Daily Ethical Dilemmas' seminar at the Institute. Thanks for being a great speaker and holding a lively discussion during your session. After two days of listening to other people talk to me it was a great way to end."

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