Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County - Olympia, Washington

Eileen Y.

I was so privileged to be a member of the 40 hour Professional Mediation training experience last week, and it was so impactful and transformative! The DRC's staff is such an incredible group of talented, dedicated, conscientious and effective mediators/educators, and wow, what an amazing group of volunteer trainers. I can’t think of any other professional learning experience where I have had such access to meaningful learning and high levels of expertise. I’m so glad I did it—it made me reflect a lot on my own professional practice and I will use the skills I learned in many situations.

Wendy B.

I took their dispute resolution training and found it to be one of the best trainings I have ever attended. Not only do I believe it to be beneficial in my work in HR, but my overall communication skills in all relationships.

Rob G.

Was required to do mediation for a small claims hearing after a car accident. The mediator was anything but impartial.

When I mentioned that the citation issued was being contested (and it was later dismissed) because the only 'witness' to the violation was the other party in the accident, mediator told me that was "not relevant to proceedings today".

Later, when I made a comment about it being a "not at-fault accident" in the eyes of insurer, she replied, "well, that's not true, it was at fault, a citation was issued" - apparently relevant now.

When she asked what the plan was if it went into small claims court and a judgment was awarded - "then insurer will pay in accordance with the entered judgment".

Mediator: Well, in that case, -as a decent human being- (excuse me?) I don't understand why you'd just agree to everything he is claiming and not complain about it, since you're not paying.

(Note that the other party was asking for $10,000 damages for the totalling of his $1,400 vehicle, plus $7,000 for vehicle storage at a repaid shop, because he left it there after insurance said they were not paying, because the shop said "Don't worry, they'll pay eventually, it's fine".) To the mediator's credit, the first time she heard the storage number, she said "How much? I'm not sure you're suing the right people here", but then quickly reverted to how it was "right" for me to pay that.

Mediators are meant to be neutral parties, not advocate for one party over another, and certainly not to call into question the morality and humanity of the parties involved.

Oh, and then despite apparently being a family lawyer, the mediator tried to craft a mediation resolution that had me making binding agreements on my insurer re payment or default. "Uh, I am not an attorney, but I'm pretty certain I can't bind my insurer to any agreement". "Oh, I suppose you're right" she replied with a sigh and obvious reluctance.

Elizabeth W.

I recently participated in the DRC's 40-hour professional mediation training. It was the most skillfully facilitated, empowering set of workshops I’ve ever attended. We were given extensive individualized attention, but trainers also helped us build community with one another. I left the training with a clear sense of what skills I had learned, and where I might go next.

Charlotte A.

I attended the 40hr Mediation Training. This training was so informative and fun! Having a background in basic counseling skills, I found the techniques of effective communication in conflict and the opportunities to practice those techniques extremely valuable. Definitely recommend to anyone who encounters conflict.

Alicia V.

I attended the January 2021 40 Hour Professional Mediation Training.
The training was transformative. The content was rich. The trainers were informative and engaging. They walked us through important information about communication skills specific to mediation, as well as behavior styles, and conflict resolution. We were able to observe several mock mediations performed by skilled certified mediators, and then role play them ourselves. It was one of the most thorough, and perfectly paced professional trainings I've ever been to. I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone.

Jessie C.

At this point I've taken several trainings from DRC staff, including the 40 hour mediation training. They've all been extremely well-planned and executed with no wasted time. You're learning every moment. I've already brought a number of skills into my work and private life. Highly recommended!

Sara B.

I've been to two trainings at DRC of Thurston County. One of them was the 40 hour Mediation Training and the other was Workplace Conflict Workshop. Both were beyond my expectations and so amazing! I highly recommend attending DRC hosted trainings.