Mediator & Arbitrator Marie Grace combines a unique mix of mediation and psychology background to her mediation/arbitration work, with extensive professional experience in clinical practice, private and public sectors.
She considers herself to have had a unique education & career path over the more than 25 years. Dr. Grace’s neutrality as a mediator and arbitrator is underscored by the balance of her prior clinical work in addictions systems theory.
Marie became certified by the Florida Supreme Court in 2008 in circuit-civil, county &family law mediation. She has clocked in over 2,000 hours in financial mediation with the Department of Financial services, focusing on residential/commercial insurance claims,
She is licensed as a realtor in the state of Massachusetts and has mediated for Mortgage Foreclosure Managed Mediation programs (pursuant to Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC09-54) throughout the state of Florida
In addition to her Mediation & Arbitration work, Dr. Grace is a professor at Southeastern University, in the Unrestricted Core Department in Psychology and Counseling
Psychology & Mediation – Power Duo
by Marie Grace, PhD, Dipl
What does psychology have to do with mediation? What does mediation have to do with psychology? Before I answer those two questions. Let’s look at the definition of both concepts. Psychology: the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context and the mental characteristics or attitude of a person or group. Now, let’s look at Mediation: the intervention in a dispute to resolve it; or to bring the issue to resolution. Good. Understood?
Moving forward, I contend that Psychology and Mediation are not separate and distinct disciplines or entities, but a powerful fighting duo like Batman & Robin or Peanut Butter & Jelly. Each one has its genius and strength but together watch out. The outcome can be absolute for both sides. Still thinking? Good!
I am rolling into my conclusion…If psychology, the mind and its functions, of mediation, resolution issues process is ill then the outcome will be ill, conversely, if psychology, the mind and its functions, of the mediation resolution issues process is healthy then the outcome will be healthy. In a psychological perspective, people take conflict personally and the outcome of the mediation reflects who they are. It often requires the development of a new, higher level of both psychological, emotional and spiritual maturity for the individuals, the mediator/s and the process.