What are supported dialogues?
Supported dialogues are a kind of mediation based on Nonviolent Communication (NVC). This process can be really helpful for creating clarity, connection, honesty and harmony in relationships. The focus is on rebuilding connection, trust and authentic expression in relationships, and once there has been a connection we move together to find concrete solutions that can work for everyone.
Often when there is conflict, our words can be difficult for others to hear, and may include painful judgements, criticism and conflicting interpretations. We stop hearing each other, and might escalate the conflict in an attempt to be heard/understood or pull away from the relationship in order to protect ourselves. Our role as mediators is to support everyone to feel safe to express what is most important to them, to hear each other, and to be heard, in relation to the deeper values and longings that are beneath their words, no matter how the messages are expressed.
