Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation upcoming events

ISCT Porch Gatherings 2026 (October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

ISCT Porch Gathering 2026

What: A virtual space to regularly gather, connect, and converse.

Who: Transformative practitioners who identify as members of the Black/African diasporic experience.

When: The 4^th Friday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern via Zoom

Friday, January 23, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Friday, March 27, 2026
Friday, April 24, 2026
Friday, May 29, 2026
Friday, June 26, 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026
Friday, August 28, 2026
Friday, September 25, 2026
Friday, October 23, 2026
Friday, November 20, 2026

Hosts: Barbara Cockerman, Mike Criam & Jerry Mings

How to Participate: Register here, and receive reminders with the zoom link a few days before each of the scheduled sessions.

Topics and Discussions: Informal and shaped by participants’ needs.

The Art of the Multi-Topic Summary, with Tara West (October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The Art of the Multi-Topic Summary: Theory into Practice, with Tara West

Multi-topic summaries are probably the most challenging practice transformative mediators use, as we’re tasked with categorizing topics that are often intertwined and overlapping, and with naming these topics in a way that includes all parties’ perspectives without falling into the trap of looking for “common ground.” But when we get it "right" (fortunately there are a number of "right" ways to summarize a conversation!), the conversation feels more manageable, each party feels heard and can hear each other a bit better, and everyone can make clearer, more conscious choices about what to do next.

In this 3-hour hands-on workshop, we’ll explore ways to maximize the benefits of multi-topic summaries so the whole process feels natural and supportive (for you and the parties!), and the benefits are maximized. You’ll have opportunities to practice summaries in large and small groups, and then debrief your practice sessions so you can learn from your own and each other's experiences.

*Basic Transformative Mediation training required

Zoom link will be sent after registration

Regular price $100/ Member price $80

Basic Transformative Mediation Training Package, with Janet Mueller & Christian Petschke (October 27, 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The ISCT Basic Transformative Mediation Training gives participants a solid foundation in the Transformative Approach to Mediation, including the theory and how it is lived out in action.

This package includes two parts: the Basic Mediation Course (6 sessions) and a Mediation Practice Group (3 sessions).

Part 1 Basic Mediation Course

This course is 18 hours of live, interactive online training with a small class size and experienced trainer. The course includes presentations, discussions, exercises, and role plays. The class will meet as a large group as well as work in break-out groups. We will be using Google drive for sharing materials and email for communication between sessions.

Following the 6 Basic Training sessions, participants will join a 3 session practice group.

By completing this full package, you will have completed a 24 hour Basic Transformative Mediation training.

*Scholarships available, fill out an application form!

______________________________Dates & Times_________________________________

Basic Transformative Mediation Training dates all times in Eastern US

1. October 13, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

2. October 20, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

3. October 27, 2026, 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM*

4. November 03, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

5. November 10, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

6. November 17, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Basic Transformative Mediation Practice Group dates:

7. December 01, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

8. December 08, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

9. December 15, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

*This week the US changes their clocks for daylight savings but Europe has not. The start time will be 5pm CET for all of the weeks. Please use this link to check the time in your time zone, especially for the time change! Thanks.

Basic Transformative Mediation Training Package, with Janet Mueller & Christian Petschke (November 03, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The ISCT Basic Transformative Mediation Training gives participants a solid foundation in the Transformative Approach to Mediation, including the theory and how it is lived out in action.

This package includes two parts: the Basic Mediation Course (6 sessions) and a Mediation Practice Group (3 sessions).

Part 1 Basic Mediation Course

Following the 6 Basic Training sessions, participants will join a 3 session practice group.

By completing this full package, you will have completed a 24 hour Basic Transformative Mediation training.

*Scholarships available, fill out an application form!

______________________________Dates & Times_________________________________

Basic Transformative Mediation Training dates all times in Eastern US

1. October 13, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

2. October 20, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

3. October 27, 2026, 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM*

4. November 03, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

5. November 10, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

6. November 17, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Basic Transformative Mediation Practice Group dates:

7. December 01, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

8. December 08, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

9. December 15, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Transformative Mediation Practice Group with Kristine Paranica (November 09, 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Coached Mediation Practice Group, with Kristine Paranica

A great opportunity to practice your mediation skills in small group setting with a coach. Three sessions allows for time to play the roles of both a mediator and a party in the mediation. Group is limited to six participants.

Three 2 hour Sessions on Mondays-

November 09, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

November 16, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

November 23, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Price: $100 USD

Member Price: $80 USD

Zoom link sent after registration.

Basic Transformative Mediation Training Package, with Janet Mueller & Christian Petschke (November 10, 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The ISCT Basic Transformative Mediation Training gives participants a solid foundation in the Transformative Approach to Mediation, including the theory and how it is lived out in action.

This package includes two parts: the Basic Mediation Course (6 sessions) and a Mediation Practice Group (3 sessions).

Part 1 Basic Mediation Course

Following the 6 Basic Training sessions, participants will join a 3 session practice group.

By completing this full package, you will have completed a 24 hour Basic Transformative Mediation training.

*Scholarships available, fill out an application form!

______________________________Dates & Times_________________________________

Basic Transformative Mediation Training dates all times in Eastern US

1. October 13, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

2. October 20, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

3. October 27, 2026, 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM*

4. November 03, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

5. November 10, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

6. November 17, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Basic Transformative Mediation Practice Group dates:

7. December 01, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

8. December 08, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

9. December 15, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Cafe: Running a Small Business as a Transformative Practitioner - What was I thinking? (November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Cafe: Running a Small Business as a Transformative Practitioner - What was I thinking?

Join together with others who have started or who are thinking about starting a business as a Transformative Practitioner to explore the possibilities, discuss the challenges, and connect around the opportunities. Whether you are new to private practice or have been in it for a while, this group is for anyone who wants to gather with others and take part in this month’s cafe conversation. If you are a member and know someone who would be interested in this topic, it's a great time to invite them!

Usually our Cafes are informal member only gatherings where we share ideas, build connections and support each other. Not a member? Join today!

Transformative Mediation Practice Group with Kristine Paranica (November 16, 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Coached Mediation Practice Group, with Kristine Paranica

Three 2 hour Sessions on Mondays-

November 09, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

November 16, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

November 23, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Price: $100 USD

Member Price: $80 USD

Zoom link sent after registration.

Basic Transformative Mediation Training Package, with Janet Mueller & Christian Petschke (November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The ISCT Basic Transformative Mediation Training gives participants a solid foundation in the Transformative Approach to Mediation, including the theory and how it is lived out in action.

This package includes two parts: the Basic Mediation Course (6 sessions) and a Mediation Practice Group (3 sessions).

Part 1 Basic Mediation Course

Following the 6 Basic Training sessions, participants will join a 3 session practice group.

By completing this full package, you will have completed a 24 hour Basic Transformative Mediation training.

*Scholarships available, fill out an application form!

______________________________Dates & Times_________________________________

Basic Transformative Mediation Training dates all times in Eastern US

1. October 13, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

2. October 20, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

3. October 27, 2026, 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM*

4. November 03, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

5. November 10, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

6. November 17, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Basic Transformative Mediation Practice Group dates:

7. December 01, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

8. December 08, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

9. December 15, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

ISCT Porch Gatherings 2026 (November 20, 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

ISCT Porch Gathering 2026

What: A virtual space to regularly gather, connect, and converse.

Who: Transformative practitioners who identify as members of the Black/African diasporic experience.

When: The 4^th Friday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern via Zoom

Friday, January 23, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Friday, March 27, 2026
Friday, April 24, 2026
Friday, May 29, 2026
Friday, June 26, 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026
Friday, August 28, 2026
Friday, September 25, 2026
Friday, October 23, 2026
Friday, November 20, 2026

Hosts: Barbara Cockerman, Mike Criam & Jerry Mings

How to Participate: Register here, and receive reminders with the zoom link a few days before each of the scheduled sessions.

Topics and Discussions: Informal and shaped by participants’ needs.

Transformative Mediation Practice Group with Kristine Paranica (November 23, 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Coached Mediation Practice Group, with Kristine Paranica

Three 2 hour Sessions on Mondays-

November 09, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

November 16, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

November 23, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Price: $100 USD

Member Price: $80 USD

Zoom link sent after registration.

Basic Transformative Mediation Training Package, with Janet Mueller & Christian Petschke (December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The ISCT Basic Transformative Mediation Training gives participants a solid foundation in the Transformative Approach to Mediation, including the theory and how it is lived out in action.

This package includes two parts: the Basic Mediation Course (6 sessions) and a Mediation Practice Group (3 sessions).

Part 1 Basic Mediation Course

Following the 6 Basic Training sessions, participants will join a 3 session practice group.

By completing this full package, you will have completed a 24 hour Basic Transformative Mediation training.

*Scholarships available, fill out an application form!

______________________________Dates & Times_________________________________

Basic Transformative Mediation Training dates all times in Eastern US

1. October 13, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

2. October 20, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

3. October 27, 2026, 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM*

4. November 03, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

5. November 10, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

6. November 17, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Basic Transformative Mediation Practice Group dates:

7. December 01, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

8. December 08, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

9. December 15, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Check-In’s: The Art of Asking Non-Directive Questions, with Robin Brzobohaty and Martina Cirbusová (December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Check-In’s: The Art of Asking Non-Directive Questions, with Robin Brzobohaty and Martina Cirbusová

Asking questions is a powerful tool through which parties can regain the reins of the conversation and restore their agency. As transformative practitioners, we ask questions in the form of the check-in intervention. The challenge, however, is how not to misuse questions to dominate the conversation or be one step ahead of the parties, leading them toward predefined objectives. This workshop will offer a deep analysis of this essential tool of the transformative practitioner in terms of proper delivery and possible positive and negative consequences of asking questions on the self-determination of the participants. Thus, the workshop will focus on the skill of asking questions in a way that maintains the fulfillment of all the premises of the transformative approach.

In a 3 hour workshop participants will learn:

What type of intervention a check in is
What is the difference between content and process questions
How does asking both types of questions influence the conversation and self-determination
How to ask questions in tune with the premises of transformative practice

Zoom link will be sent after registration
Regular price $100/ Member price $80

Basic Transformative Mediation Training Package, with Janet Mueller & Christian Petschke (December 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The ISCT Basic Transformative Mediation Training gives participants a solid foundation in the Transformative Approach to Mediation, including the theory and how it is lived out in action.

This package includes two parts: the Basic Mediation Course (6 sessions) and a Mediation Practice Group (3 sessions).

Part 1 Basic Mediation Course

Following the 6 Basic Training sessions, participants will join a 3 session practice group.

By completing this full package, you will have completed a 24 hour Basic Transformative Mediation training.

*Scholarships available, fill out an application form!

______________________________Dates & Times_________________________________

Basic Transformative Mediation Training dates all times in Eastern US

1. October 13, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

2. October 20, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

3. October 27, 2026, 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM*

4. November 03, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

5. November 10, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

6. November 17, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Basic Transformative Mediation Practice Group dates:

7. December 01, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

8. December 08, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

9. December 15, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Trauma Informed Transformative Practice, with Susan Jordan (December 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Trauma-Informed Transformative Practice, with Susan Jordan

This training will help mediators and case coordinators co-create and facilitate transformative processes with care and awareness, recognizing that trauma-informed approaches benefit all participants, regardless of trauma history. It will emphasize participant voice, choice, and thoughtful mediator presence.

Zoom link sent after registration

Regular price $70/Member price $56

Basic Transformative Mediation Training Package, with Janet Mueller & Christian Petschke (December 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The ISCT Basic Transformative Mediation Training gives participants a solid foundation in the Transformative Approach to Mediation, including the theory and how it is lived out in action.

This package includes two parts: the Basic Mediation Course (6 sessions) and a Mediation Practice Group (3 sessions).

Part 1 Basic Mediation Course

Following the 6 Basic Training sessions, participants will join a 3 session practice group.

By completing this full package, you will have completed a 24 hour Basic Transformative Mediation training.

*Scholarships available, fill out an application form!

______________________________Dates & Times_________________________________

Basic Transformative Mediation Training dates all times in Eastern US

1. October 13, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

2. October 20, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

3. October 27, 2026, 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM*

4. November 03, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

5. November 10, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

6. November 17, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Basic Transformative Mediation Practice Group dates:

7. December 01, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

8. December 08, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

9. December 15, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Aligning Mediator Interventions with Brains in Conflict, with Kim Reisch (December 16, 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Aligning Mediator Interventions with Brains in Conflict, with Kim Reisch

Despite having a variety of tools to use during mediation, many of us struggle with deciding which intervention to use when. High conflict parties often present the biggest challenges. What is a mediator operating in the transformative model to do? Brain science provides us with information about how conflict impacts the human brain. This information can help mediators stay optimistic about the parties' capacity to change and help mediators align their interventions with the conflict brains in front of them. Offering interventions appropriate to the parties' brains zone of regulation honors self-determination while providing support without judgment.

As this is a collaborative learning environment, this presentation will include discussion, demonstration and opportunities for practice.

Zoom link sent after registration