Mediation Skills and Strategies—A Practical Guide, Tony Whatling

Abstract

Mediation Skills and Strategies is a handy and accessible introduction to the world of mediation. Author Tony Whatling started out in social work before moving into a career in mediation and mediation training, applying his craft in various contexts. As a result of his professional experience, he is able to give a clear overview of mediation and to highlight the intersects between mediation and various professions. It is clear from the outset that mediation is very relevant to social work. Crucially, similar principles and values underpin both areas of work. This includes the expectation that the person using the service is acknowledged as the expert, which Whatling notes may be an alien concept for some professions. Like the social worker, the mediator is not expected to swing in like a super-hero to make everything right, they are there to support parties to find their own voices and solutions—though social workers may also have the remit of providing or signposting resources if this is identified as one of the solutions.