Couples Mediation - advanced

This Course will be held in October, November December 2026 and three sessions in January 2027.  Thursdays 5 pm - 7 pm Eastern time.  Please check your local time zone.

What is Couples Mediation?  We define Couples Mediation as a process, facilitated by a neutral mediator, in which couples work toward identifying and resolving conflicts, improving their intimate or marital relationship, when possible, and come to agreements to move forward.

What is the format?  The workshops will be a mix of discussion, presentation, role play simulation and reflective practice. There are three options for participation: 

  1. Participate in the full course as a mediator, doing all role plays as a mediator and work toward full qualification.

  2. Participate in the full course as an observer, observe others as they role play, receive a certificate of attendance in the course.

  3. Participate as a role player in the role of one member of the couple, playing someone who is in need of mediation and follow the case scenario details. Attend the five sessions when role play is happening. Receive a thank you for your help and discount on future course. No charge for this option!

What is the learning objective? At the end of these workshops, participants, will be more prepared to take on Couples Mediation cases with robust resources and experience to support their future success.

Special support available! The 8 members of the Couples Mediation Training and Education committee, who wrote the guide and are promoting the practice, are available to meet with class participants in one hour 1:1 sessions.

Who is teaching?  The core instructor is Sara Barnes, chair of committee and Executive Director of MVMC, with additional content presented by the members of the Academy of Professional Family Mediators APFM Teaching and Eduction committee: Sue Boardman, Stefanie Benanto, Matt Carroll, Nadia Delshad, Ana Lisa Gertner,  Eric Hodgson, Tess Worrell. 

Couples Mediation Advanced 24 hours – 12 sessions
Thursdays, 5 - 7 PM
10/08 - 01/21
 $800
Session One
October 8, 2026 		Family and Couples Mediation--an overview
Session Two
October 15 		Getting Started with a Couples Mediation Case
Session Three
October 22 		Role play the beginning of a case
Session Four
October 29 		Couples Self Determined Goals
Session Five
November 5 		Role play identifying goals and defining success
Session Six
November 12 		Making Progress
Session Seven
November 19 		Role play generating options and identifying next steps
Session Eight
December 3 		Collaborative Decision Making
Session Nine
December 10 		Role play the process of working together to plan
Session Ten
January 7, 2027 		Moving Beyond Mediation
Session Eleven
January 14 		Role play reinforcing conflict resolution skills and tools
Session Twelve
January 21 		Next Steps with Couples Mediation
Interested? Register Here.
  • $100-$300 for participation – sliding fee based on income and ability to pay. 
  • $50 for participation for those who have previously participated in the following MV Mediation courses: Conflict Resolution Essentials, Edgartown Library Conflict Resolvers, Workplace Conflict Cohort, Intro to Mediation, Conflict Coaching. 
  • Previously trained mediators are encouraged to participate at no charge. 
  • No charge for currently employed K-12 teachers. PDPs available. 
  • No charge for Youth Mediators. 
    • If cost is a problem, please register. MV Mediation will find a way to include you in this course. 
    Testimonials
    Small Claims Client

    “I was terrified when I came into the court. It seemed like the end of the world. Thanks to my compassionate and understanding mediators, I was able to have a productive conversation with someone I considered an adversary. I couldn’t believe we were able to work it out without going in front of a judge. Thank you MVMP.”

    – Small Claims Client

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    Divorce Client

    “I was really not looking forward to mediation. But it turned turned out to be relatively pleasant. I really enjoyed working with the two of you. I plan to recommend mediation to others.”

    – Divorce Client

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    Facilitation Client

    “You brought us all together. It was awesome. I am so relieved. All our people felt uplifted, more united and part of a team. In particular one Board member said she felt she was taken care of with kindness and wisdom. We all know each other much better, have defined our work together and are in such better shape than we were when we started. Thank you MVMP.”

    – Facilitation Client

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    Conflict Coaching Client

    “If you have the chance to do Conflict Coaching, DO IT! It was eye opening for me. My coach was kind, insightful and such a great listener. Most importantly, I learned so much about myself and about how I handle conflict. I now have a good, solid conflict management plan for the future.”

    – Conflict Coaching Client

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    Workplace Conflict Management Services

    “It was valuable to help me handle a current conflict in my workplace. Putting a positive spin on conflict was an eye-opener for me. It gives me a structure to address problems. We had a very serious conflict at work recently so this is very important and relevant to me right now.”

    – Workplace Conflict Management Services

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