Fall 2026 Basic Mediation Training
A collaboration between Good Collaborations and Holyoke Community College
Key Basic Mediation
Training details:
Schedule (all days, 9:30-4:30):
Friday 9/18 via Zoom
Saturday 9/19 at Holyoke Community College
Friday 9/25 via Zoom
Saturday 9/26 via Zoom
Friday 10/2 at Holyoke Community College
$699*, register here
32-hour Basic Mediation Training certificate offered with successful course completion
Increase your capacity to communicate well and work better with conflict!
You can learn mediators’ approaches and skills!
De-escalate yourself and others
Help people listen to each other, build understanding, and bridge divides
Support people to move from fixed positions to creative solutions that work for all involved
Build collaborative muscles, overcome avoidance and other less helpful communication and conflict habits
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If that’s you, welcome! You will need more practice and possibly advanced training after this, but your Basic Mediation Training certificate is the starting place, and we can point you towards possible next steps to move down that mediator path.
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If that’s you, welcome! You will probably want support in integrating course learnings into real-life practice, and we have some suggestions and resources to offer to support that work.
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If that’s you, welcome! We’ll be by your side as you think about what mediation training means to you and which pieces you want to continue to play with in which ways.
Why THIS Basic Mediation Training?
At Good Collaborations, we have almost two decades experience in offering mediator training in Massachusetts through community mediation centers. We have had extraordinary opportunities to build on the experience and expertise of amazing mediation trainers who came before us and who in some cases are still practicing (huge gratitude!).
We’re passionate about creating impactful learning opportunities. (OK, we admit it, we’re totally geeks when it comes to training!) Our training styles are often described as engaging, inspiring and supportive, and our commitment to transforming our everyday worlds to be better together shines through in all the training we and our training teams do.
Over the last couple of years, we’ve engaged in a complete redesign of Basic Mediation Training content, materials and approaches using best practices from the field and our extensive experience with training cohorts. Join us for this updated course, and join a community of practice committed to being better together!
What to expect in this course?
Areas of learning
The Fall 2026 HCC/GC Basic Mediation Training includes modules in:
● Approaches to Conflict
● Interpersonal Communication Skills
● Collaborative Problem-Solving
● Working with Tough Interpersonal Dynamics
● The Mediation Process.
Daily activities
Each day of training includes presentations and demonstrations of mediation approaches and skills, opportunities to reflect on the material and practice basic applications, and some version of role-play or case studies for in-time practice and feedback. This is not a pre-packaged recorded training - we are always live in our sessions, and while we make sure to meet our training objectives, we adapt our session plans to address emerging needs.
We use a mix of individual, small and large group activities, and work hard to address a variety of learning style preferences. There is A LOT of expected participation, definitely not a sit-back-and-watch webinar!
We are firm believers in honoring previous experience and perspectives, in building on existing strengths where possible, and in welcoming adaptation of the course to different contexts and cultures. All trainers and coaches are experienced mediators and trainers, and committed to respectful and supportive work with all participants.
Certification
This course meets all Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court mediator training guidelines (demonstration, topics covered, coached role-plays, evaluation, etc.). Successful completion of all coursework will result in a Basic Mediation Training certificate (requires active participation each day plus completion of limited “homework” between course sessions.)
Additional notes
If you are interested in registering for this course, and have needs for particular supports or accommodations to be able to participate, please be in touch with us. We will do our best to work with you, Holyoke Community College and others to address your needs.
(*) Holyoke Community College does not have a formal scholarship option for this course, but we are committed to making this course as accessible as possible. If you would really like to attend this course and cost is a barrier, please be in touch with us to explore options - no guarantees, but we will do our best to support diverse participation.