Melanie Rowen Mediation & Conflict Resolution
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Melanie Rowen

MEDIATION & CONFLICT COACHING

Disagreements and communication issues happen in every kind of relationship — in family, work, and community. I help people find a way forward through conflicts.

As a mediator, I can meet with everyone involved to develop a resolution that meets each person’s needs. Or, as a conflict coach, I can consult with you one-on-one to support you in effectively resolving an issue you’re experiencing with someone else.

I am currently meeting with clients online using the Zoom platform, and my availability includes evenings and weekends.

 

About Mediation

Mediation is a way to resolve a communication issue, disagreement or conflict. The mediator works with the people involved to help them come up with a solution that everyone can agree on, tailored to their needs. 

Many people are familiar with mediation as a process resolving a legal issue, like divorce or a dispute between neighbors or business partners, and it is almost always much more cost-effective than going to court. But mediation can also be helpful for people who just have a disagreement or a challenge in communicating effectively and want to find a way to move forward.

In addition to often being the best way to find a satisfactory solution to a problem, going through mediation can improve communication and relationships in the long term.

About Conflict Coaching

Conflict coaching is one-on-one support in dealing with a communication issue, disagreement or conflict you are having with someone else. Working with a conflict coach can make it easier for you to handle the conflict effectively yourself.

The conflict coach is neutral, and can help you think through the problem and understand it from different perspectives. They can ask questions to get clarity on what matters most to you in the situation, and strategize with you on how you might resolve it, including coming up with ideas for solutions. They can also suggest communication techniques that might work well in your conversations with others involved in the situation, and even practice those conversations with you.

Getting some conflict coaching can make the difference between staying stuck in a disagreement and moving forward. Depending on the situation, conflict coaching may require only one or two sessions.

About Melanie

I am an attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area who is committed to mediation as a way to resolve disagreements fairly. I have many years of coaching and advising experience, and I respect the expertise that people have about their own conflicts. Connecting with people, asking the right questions to get to the heart of the issue, and thinking creatively about how to move forward are what I love to do.

In addition to mediating and conflict coaching, I am a trainer with the Center for Understanding in Conflict, a non-profit that teaches mediation skills to people working in conflict engagement, including mediators, human resources professionals, mental health workers, and others. I also train individuals and groups on effective communication in conflict situations and on creating inclusive environments, particularly around gender, sexual orientation, and disability.

For several years of my career as an attorney, I litigated civil rights cases, including marriage equality, employment discrimination, issues involving transgender and gender non-conforming youth and their families, and issues facing LGBTQI elders, at the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Before that, I worked in business litigation at Latham & Watkins LLP. These experiences informed my interest in helping people to resolve disputes and to develop their communication and understanding of each other.


Recent Trainings and Presentations

Working Through Conflict Together: Listening to Understand

Gender Spectrum Family Conference

July 2019 and July 2018

Conflict Mediation Training for Journalists

Solutions Journalism Summit

November 2018

Working Creatively With Conflict: 40-Hour Mediation and Conflict Resolution Training

Center for Understanding in Conflict

November 2019


Community Involvement

Government Relations Advisory Council
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
2009 to present

Board of Directors
Transgender Law Center     
2012 to present

Board of Directors
Center for Understanding in Conflict     
2018 to present


Education

J.D.
University of Chicago
2004

B.A.
University of Chicago
1999

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Services

I offer mediation and conflict coaching services. Currently I meet with clients online using the Zoom platform, and my availability includes evenings and weekends.

If mediation is the right fit for the situation, I will meet with everyone involved to understand the background of the problem, discuss each client's perspective, and help come up with and evaluate potential solutions. I will not provide legal advice, but as needed, I will work with clients' individual attorneys, with therapists, or with other experts to make sure everyone has all the relevant information. When we have found a solution that the clients are satisfied with, I can create a written agreement for clients to review with their individual attorneys if needed.

If you would like conflict coaching on addressing an issue with someone else, I will meet with you to think through the problem together, consider it from different perspectives, identify possible solutions, and design your approach to resolving it with the other person. I can also help you prepare for conversations with the other person, including exploring and practicing listening and communication techniques to help you understand each other better.

To find out whether mediation or conflict coaching with me is a fit for your situation, I am available for free consultations of up to 45 minutes. (Consultations for mediation services are with all potential clients together.)

Contact

(510) 519-8234 | rowenmediation@gmail.com

You can also set up an initial consultation by filling out this form: