Cooper Mediation - Our Philosophy

As a mystic poetic wrote: "Out beyond the idea of wrong doing and right doing, there is a field. I will meet you there."

People, organizations and cultures that are in conflict have a way to move forward. By sitting down and talking and listening to each other, conflict can be resolved. With help from an effective mediator, conflict can be resolved and hope can begin.

With more than 20-years of experience in the field, my style is to bring a calming and respectful approach to solving conflict. Giving everyone a fair chance to speak and listen is critical to a successful mediation. As a 20 year veteran, I provide a safe place for people and organizations to listen and speak their mind. People with conflicts need to discuss the past before they can deal with the present and move onto the future. Mediation provides a positive alternative to reducing stress and conflict.

When I bring parties to mediation, I park my ego outside the door. My goal is to help the parties listen to and work with each other. When that happens peaceful resolution takes place.

One of my favorite stories in the word of negotiations was the process used in Northern Ireland in the 1990s to obtain a peaceful settlement. At wits end in trying to get a peaceful agreement US negotiator and former United States Senator, George Mitchell, went to Ireland to bring all sides together for a final meeting. At dinner the Irish Republican Army and the Provisional Government were not allowed to talk about the issues. They were encouraged to talk about their families…..all the rest is okay.