Exploring the Role of Culture in Mediation

“Working predominantly within high performance sport Monica was able to make the key existential themes come to life within a context that I was able to relate both personally and professionally.

Through reading Monica’s books and attending her ‘Existential Coaching’ training I know my practice as an Executive Coach within the corporate world has shifted to a deeper existential philosophical approach.

Monica has taught me the importance of being at one with the client where I feel more attuned to their needs and the challenges, uncertainties and dilemmas we experience as part of the human condition, relinquishing a desire to drive a performance orientated agenda.

What Monica does exceptionally well, often leaving me in awe is the simplicity in which she tunes in then gently challenges the client to open up a new sense of perspective providing the clarity to move towards meaningful and purposeful change.

Existential coaching is an art form that dances between the philosophical and the psychological. It gives the practitioner the bandwidth to adapt and flex rather than abide to a one shoe fits all approach. You will learn how to create a mutually collaborative relationship that enables your client(s) to reflect and commit to meaningful and purposeful action fully aligned to their values.

The only warning I will give upfront is that you will not be able to put it down as lightbulbs and deep reflections will be happening as you flick through every page!”

Ian Guyah Low, EMCC Certified Coach, BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist (Performance Psychologist), Accredited Mindflick Practitioner

“Culture in mediation is the much-needed and nuanced compass for navigating difficult conversations. As an immigrant, I experience the daily reality of otherness. As a professional, I recognise the immense potential for understanding and bridging the conflict gaps between us through active listening and empathy. We're looking for maps and how-to guides when all we need is a sturdy compass.

Monica's approach to culture in mediation provides such a reliable compass, guiding us through the conflict intricacies of our global village. While not a traditional how-to guide, this book offers valuable insights and instruments to help one better navigate the challenges brought upon by mediation.”

Andra Vlaic, Leader, coach, mediator and trainer

“Conflict is multi-layered and complex, and emotions are at the very basis of every conflict. Monica’s refreshing approach of psychologically informed mediation and conflict resolution proves that if no space is created for these emotions to be expressed and let go off, the resolution of the dispute can be nearly impossible. In this book Monica continues to give further psychological insight into conflict adding culture as a force to be reckoned with. Understanding the role culture can play as a source of conflict, or an obstacle to conflict resolution, should be a key tool in every mediator’s skillset toolbox. While applying that skill, the mediator should not forget to confront their own cultural heritage, as it can equally be a tumbling block in resolving conflict! Having attended several of Monica’s advanced trainings over the past years, I have come to known her as one of the most influential facilitators cultivating a refreshingly new approach to mediation and conflict resolution. With this book, Monica not only continues to share her expertise but also gives mediators a distinct advantage helping resolving disputes.”

Bart Gorissen, Legal & Business Consultant, CMC Accredited Mediator

“In her new book, Monica reveals the importance of culture in mediation - a phenomenon that all professionals notice, but only the rare and brave name and describe. A great book, which, while reading, I shouted out loud: "That's right! Exactly.” Culture and multiculturalism will increasingly influence the mediation process, so now is the right time for every professional mediator to read Monica's new book.”

Dana Rone, PhD. Dana Rone, sworn attorney at law, certified mediator in Latvia, associate professor of Law Faculty of Turiba University (Latvia)

“Monica is one of the leading experts who masterfully applies existential philosophy and psychology to various areas of practical interest. She is also well known in the field of conflict resolution through her training courses and her practical experience.

In this book she delves deeper into the specific aspects of the role of culture in mediation, drawing on theory and on her own experience as a mediator and trainer of mediators in the UK and beyond She looks at how we can come to grips with what might be meant by 'culture', understood as a specific mode of what existentialists might call being-in-the-world, individual, political, familial, ethnic, sexual, geographical, spiritual, etc. She gives insights into the historical, global and cultural particularities of before posing the fundamental question of whether or not a culturally influenced approach is a worthwhile endeavour, exploring whether it help to be culturally informed or even influenced as a mediator, or is it better to take a step back and adopt a phenomenological approach relying on what we might call the shared uniqueness of what it means to be human. I honestly recommend her new book to find orientation in these questions.”

Dr. Georg Martensen,Logotherapist, Existential Coach, Supervisor;Brunswick, Germany.

“An existential understanding of culture in mediation requires recognising deeply rooted values, beliefs, and identities of the parties. This enables mediators to build trust, address identity needs, and understand cultural contexts to promote long-term, respectful solutions. Phenomenology, which focuses on direct and conscious experience, complements this approach through empathic listening, understanding subjective meanings, and contextualising experiences. Both approaches allow for a deeper consideration of the conflict, taking into account cultural and existential needs, promoting sustainable, integrative solutions. In her new book on the role of culture in mediation, Monica Hanaway draws on her diverse experience and describes the importance of an existential perspective on cultural issues in conflicts. Unlike psychologising concepts, it addresses the essential core issues of human existence. The key to resolving many conflicts lies in people's existential experiences, which reveal more similarities than cultural differences suggest. This book completes Monica's significant body of work on existential thinking in our time.”

René Märtin,Logotherapist, Existential Coach, Supervisor, Author (Osnabrück)

“Monica can always be trusted to make the case for her chosen subject. Utilising her profound understanding, she delivers a detailed consideration of the material that is supported by worked examples. In her latest publication “Culture in Mediation” she once again provides an outstanding exploration of a topic that is of the utmost importance to both practitioners and participants. Readers familiar with her literary canon will not be disappointed.”

Bob Cree-Hay, CEDR/MII Accredited Mediator, Dispute Negotiator, Supervisor (Belfast)