Introduction to Mediation Training

Mediation training is a structured program that equips individuals with the skills to resolve disputes in a peaceful manner. In today’s fast-paced world, misunderstandings and conflicts are almost inevitable, whether in the workplace, family, or community. Mediation provides a proactive and respectful approach to addressing these issues, enabling people to find common ground without resorting to legal battles or prolonged arguments.

By learning the art of mediation, individuals develop not only professional credentials but also essential life skills, like patience, empathy, and active listening. These traits are vital for effective communication and conflict management in any setting.

The Core Objectives of Mediation Training

Conflict Resolution Skills

At its core, mediation training teaches you how to de-escalate conflicts and guide parties toward mutually acceptable solutions. It helps you understand the emotional dynamics behind disputes and equips you with frameworks to resolve them constructively.

Active Listening and Empathy

Participants are trained to listen attentively—not just to respond, but to understand. Deploying empathy enables mediators to connect with individuals on a deeper level, creating an environment where options can be raised and considered, allowing the co-creation of solutions to meet each party’s needs.

Types of Mediation Training Programs

General Mediation (AMDRAS)

This training, established under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) focuses on the core skills and faciliative mediation process. It helps participants to understand conflict theory, apply the structured facilitative mediation process and develop their interpersonal skills.  It is suitable for use in a wide variety of conflicts such as workplace disputes, commercial, neighbourhood and more. It’s especially beneficial for HR professionals, managers and team leaders as well as those seeking to work professionally as mediators.

Find out more about AMDRAS Mediation Training

Family Law Mediation (FDR)

This type of mediation addresses family disputes within the jurisdiction of the Family Courts of Australia and includes matters related to the care of children, financial and property settlement negotiations. It is mandatory to attend Family Dispute Resolution before initiating Family Court actions for children’s matters, unless an exception applies; it is also highly encouraged for property matters. It promotes peaceful and lower-cost resolutions compared to using the family court system, and supports emotional healing, providing a greater chance of effective cooperation among parents after separation.

Find out more about FDR Practitioner Training

Transformative Relationship Mediation (TRM)

Built on the foundation of general mediation, this specialisation is a form of mediation that focuses on the relationship between people who want to continue in an ongoing relationship but need to clear the air, share their needs and reach an understanding. Focus is less on the outcome (the agreement) and more on the process (the relationship transformation) when interactions have become difficult and full of misunderstandings. Suitable for family members, spouses and other ongoing relationships.

Find out more about Transformative Relationship Mediation 

Conflict Management for One (CM-1)

CM-1 is a process developed to provide additional support to parties before or after mediation. It can be used when participants are not ready for mediation to help them to better prepare or if the other party has refused mediation or was unsuccessful. It is facilitated by a mediator who is not the one working as the mediator or FDRP with both parties providing unbiased but helpful support to shift perspectives and develop a plan for moving forward.

Find out more about Conflict Management for One Training

Community and Legal Mediation

Utilised by local governments and courts, these programs aim to resolve civil disputes without resorting to litigation. Volunteers often help mediate neighbourhood disagreements or small claims.

Find out more about the Interact Support – Interact Community Dispute Resolution Service ICDRS

Key Skills Taught in Mediation Training

Communication Skills

Effective dialogue is the foundation of any mediation process. You’ll learn to express ideas clearly and encourage open communication between disputing parties. Mediators ask rather than tell using effective questioning, active listening and reframing to open parties up to new perspectives.

Neutrality and Objectivity

A good mediator must remain unbiased. Training emphasises the importance of staying independent and avoiding the temptation to take sides.

Problem-Solving Techniques

Mediators guide conversations towards actionable solutions. You’ll practice identifying common interests and managing power imbalances towards win-win outcomes. Mediators learn to effectively reality test to provide the best possible opportunity for outcomes that are realistic and committed to.

Who Should Take Mediation Training?

Mediation training isn’t just for lawyers. It’s ideal for:

• HR Professionals dealing with employee grievances. If you are not independent, you can use mediation processes in the Facilitated Discussion process with full disclosure about confidentiality limits.

• Legal Practitioners seeking alternatives to litigation.

• Social Workers and counsellors can serve as an alternative modality to help clients navigate complex interpersonal situations.

• Business Professionals dealing with contractual and employee disputes.
• Anyone with a passion for dispute resolution can become a professional mediator or family dispute resolution practitioner.

Certification and Accreditation Options

Getting certified adds credibility and opens up more job opportunities.

In Australia, the two reputable options are:

• Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS), which is administered by the AMDRAS Board www.amdras.au and Recognised Providers. Mediation Institute is both a Recognised Training Provider (RTP) and a Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP) under the AMDRAS.  Once mediators complete their training and accreditation, they can join Mediation Institute as their professional body. www.mimembers.au 

• Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Registration which is administered by the Autralian Attorney Generals Practitioner Registration Unit https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/families/family-dispute-resolution/become-family-dispute-resolution-practitioner A post graduate qualification is required to be eligible to register as a FDR Practitioners with the option of completing a partial qualification combined with a specified degree or national accreditation as a mediator. Mediation Institute offers the required qualification training CHC81115 – Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution in collaboration with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Inspiritive 21178.  CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution

Mediation Institute offers their training with the flexibility of online learning and self-paced study, combined with a significant volume of practical skills training through role plays, which provides a high level of quality as well as a more flexible and affordable approach.

Duration and Cost of Mediation Training

Standard AMDRAS Training duration varies, typically ranging from 6-day intensives (not offered by Mediation Institute) to longer self-paced courses – we recommend 6 – 8 weeks as a good balance. Costs can vary depending on the format and provider. Despite the investment, many find the returns—both personal and professional—are well worth it.  Find out more about the training option with Mediation Institute AMDRAS Mediation Training

The Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution is usually about 12 months to complete on a part time basis. Again it is offered as a self paced course so can be completed more quickly or over up to 24 months.  Costs can vary depending on the format and provider.  Find out more about the training option with Mediation Institute Grad Dip FDR

Online vs Offline Mediation Training

Flexibility and Accessibility

Online courses allow learners to go at their own pace, in our case using a learning management system with written and video content and learning tasks.

Hands-on Experience and Peer Interaction

Live classes (available via video meeting technology) offer live role-play sessions, instant feedback, as well as valuable reflection and networking opportunities.

How to Choose the Right Mediation Program

• Reputation: Check testimonials and reviews.

• Curriculum: Ensure the program is delivered by an AMDRAS Recognised Training Provider  https://amdras.au/recognised-providers/

• Support: Post-training mentorship can be a game-changer. Choosing a training provider who is also a Recognised Accreditation Provider means they stand by their training.  A training provider who does not provide ongoing support may not be able to give the real world contextual knowledge needed for quality training and support for ongoing ethical practice.

Challenges During Mediation Training

Even the best learners encounter roadblocks:

• Triggered by scenarios, these situations may test your emotional endurance. Be sure to seek out support if a role play scenario is too close to home and triggers you.

• Personal biases must be identified and managed effectively. Unconscious biases may become visible to you during this training, challenging your self-perception but providing opportunities for personal growth.

Quality programs prepare students to handle these challenges with confidence and professionalism.

Continuing Education and Skill Enhancement

After basic certification, there is a requirement for ongoing professional development for mediators. This can be achived in a number of ways:

• Advanced workshops on cultural sensitivity or trauma-informed mediation.

• Peer reviews or supervised mediation sessions to refine their skills.

• Practicum Workshop which provides a pathway to Advanced Mediator Accreditation under AMDRAS. AMDRAS Practicum Certificate Earn Your Advanced Mediator Status
• Family Dispute Resolution AMDRAS accreditation is one of the pathways to allow enrolment into the Graduate Diploma FDR

Mediation Training for Career Advancement

An AMDRAS accredited mediator is a valuable asset in many professions. From corporate conflict resolution to freelance mediation services, the opportunities are diverse.

Mediation Training also enhances your resume, showing employers you’re proactive, solution-focused, and emotionally intelligent.

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Mediation

Mediators must respect:

• Confidentiality rules—what’s discussed in mediation stays in mediation with any exceptions for example regarding duty of care, disclosed in advance.

• Ethical boundaries – especially in power-imbalanced situations.

Training includes legal and ethical guidelines to ensure your practice is both lawful and ethical.

Benefits of Mediation Training

• Personal Growth: Boosts your patience, empathy, and confidence.

• Professional Effectiveness: Helps you manage teams and handle disputes efficiently.

• Community Impact: Contributes to a more harmonious society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How long does it take to become a certified mediator?
Most certification courses range from 6 days to 8 weeks, depending on depth and format. If you have very limited time you can undertake the training over a longer time. Specialisations are often of shorter duration as they are building on top of the basic skills.

Q2. Is mediation training only for legal professionals?
No, it’s beneficial for HR reps, social workers, educators, and anyone involved in conflict resolution.

Q3. Can I take mediation training online?
Yes, Mediation Institute offer flexible, recognised online courses.

Q4. What is the average salary for a mediator?
The average salary for a mediator in Australia varies, but it generally falls between $78,266 and $104,831 per year. (July 2025 data) Factors like experience, location, and employer can influence the exact figure. Many mediator choose to work part time as they transition from full time work and into a role that provides more balance to fit in with other lifestyle pursuits. 

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for taking mediation training?
Most programs welcome beginners; however, the Graduate Diploma has a requirement to undertake AMDRAS accreditation or hold one of a number of specific qualifications including law, social work, psychology or dispute resolution.

Q6. Can mediation skills be used outside of work?
Absolutely! These skills are valuable in everyday life, especially in family and community settings.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Mediation

Mediation training is more than a certification—it’s a gateway to personal transformation and professional growth. By learning to resolve conflicts with empathy and efficiency, you position yourself as a peacemaker in a world that desperately needs more understanding, compassion and collaboration.