The telling and hearing of these stories can be empowering, healing, and transformative for both storyteller and listener. The role of the mediator is critical for the purpose of mediation to be realized. Mediators should use caution in intervening too frequently. Individual differences and conflicts can elicit creativity and a sense of possibilities otherwise unknown. The mediation process may be adapted to meet more effectively the needs of the particular parties so that they feel safe and comfortable enough to engage in a genuine dialogue.
Continual attention needs to be paid to differences in communication style and meaning.
Discovering underlying information, needs, and interests can enhance a collaborative effort and encourage more satisfying results. Well-written agreements guide and focus behavior, thereby eliciting and enhancing results. Written agreements, however, are secondary in importance to the dialogue between the victim and offender about the crime and its impact on their lives. Some mediated dialogue sessions may satisfy the needs of the parties but not result in a written agreement. Training for Mediators in Offender Sensitivity and Offender Issues 3.