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Introduction: Does language matter when mediating? Susan Dearborn of the Pacific Family Mediation Institute suggests that the metaphors many mediators use to talk about reaching agreement may have a negative impact on discussions. Third parties need to begin to develop new and more useful metaphors.


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Limited Language, Using Metaphors
Susan Dearborn
Director of the Pacific Family Mediation Institute
Interviewed by
Julian Portilla
2003

We've used the exact same type of metaphors over and over again and that these metaphors in a sense, limit where people can go, in coming to agreements or even having the discussions and facilitating the issues. The boiler plate language that we're using whether it be the playing fields in terms of leveling a playing field, or in terms of game strategy or whether it is in terms of dividing pies, that what we're using from one person to another through the field, that these are very limiting. These aren't the types of metaphors that will carry us.

 
When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it? -- Eleanor Roosevelt

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