Alliance formation in high‐conflict custody mediation: a serial case analysis

Abstract

AbstractThrough an in‐depth qualitative analysis of five cases of mandatory high‐conflict custody mediation, we analysed interpersonal processes associated with the early formation of a working alliance in a three‐way interaction. The analysis showed that the mediator efficiently managed the focus of the conversation and validated the parents’ perspectives, but was reticent in addressing interactional issues. Our findings suggest that mediators in high‐conflict custody mediation cases can facilitate the formation of an alliance between the parents, as well as between the mediator and the parents, by taking into account three main aspects of the interaction: (1) the management of the focus of the conversation; (2) validation of the parties’ perspectives; and (3) adapting interventions and tasks to the cohesion of the parent dyad.Practitioner points Mediators support the formation of a collaborative alliance by managing the focus of the conversation and validating parties’ perspectives Low parent dyad cohesion may bar cooperation on seemingly minor issues and a working alliance should be established early on Ample spacing between mediation sessions allows parents time to try out and evaluate different practical arrangements Working on concrete items of a parenting plan contributes to improving cooperation