How Stress Hijacks Mediation—and What You Can Do About It
Thursday, July 17th
8 a.m PST| 11 a.m EST
Our special guest this week, Ben Stich will Present on:
How Stress Hijacks Mediation—and What You Can Do About It
Mediation often asks people to engage in their most thoughtful, collaborative selves, right when they’re under the most pressure. Stress can quietly erode the very abilities that mediation depends on, like perspective-taking, flexible thinking, and emotional regulation.
This session draws from neuroscience and the evidence-based Collaborative Problem Solving® model to offer insights and practical strategies for supporting clients through the emotional intensity of conflict. You’ll leave with concrete tools to help clients stay engaged, grounded, and open to progress—even in the heat of mediation.
When you’re thinking about where to donate, please consider supporting S.K.I.P. (Soup Kitchen in Provincetown)
Our presenter:
Ben Stich is a divorce, co-parenting, and family mediator based in Massachusetts. Before becoming a mediator, Ben spent over a decade as a social worker, helping teens and families navigate tough moments in schools and residential programs—an experience that deeply shaped his approach to conflict resolution.
After discovering mediation in 2009, Ben quickly realized it was his calling. He founded Mediation and Family Services in 2014 and has since helped hundreds of families navigate conflict with compassion and clarity—while staying in control of their own decisions.
Ben also works as a Divorce Coach in the Collaborative Law process and serves as an instructor for the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council. He trains professionals in Collaborative Problem Solving through MGH’s Think:Kids program and serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation. You can find his blog and more about his work at www.benstich.com.
Offered by Will Work For Food, founded by Natalie Armstrong-Motin (www.HowToMarketMyMediationPractice.com, moderated by Jeff Kichaven (www.JeffKichaven.com ) and Jean Lawler (www.LawlerADR.com) and Program Coordinator, David Shraga
This worldwide conversation will be like nothing else. Join in! Share, learn, have fun, and raise money for food banks.