Resolving conflicts made easy: New book for mediators published!

Resolving conflicts made easy: New book for mediators published!

On September 25, 2025, the publication of the book “Understanding and Processing Conflicts” was celebrated, written by Kirsten Schroeter, long-time academic director of the Master's program in Mediation and Conflict Management at the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), and Prof. Dr. Lin Adrian from the University of Copenhagen was written. This work was published by utb-Verlag and reflects the result of a long-term cooperation between the two educational institutions, which combines various academic disciplines such as psychology, law and organizational sociology.

The new publication offers a comprehensive introduction to theories and tools for assessing and dealing with conflicts. In addition to classic conflict theories, complex topics such as justice, power, emotions and cognitive distortions are also addressed. Through the didactic use of examples, case histories and models, the book enables readers to deal with conflicts more flexibly, be it in everyday life, in a specialist and managerial position or as professional consultants. Kirsten Schroeter, qualified psychologist, works together with Prof. Dr. Ulla Gläßer in the master's degree program mentioned.

Contents of the training

The practical training as part of the master's degree program includes basic practical training in mediation, which is divided into seven modules. The modules are:

• PPM1: Einführung in die Mediationspraxis (Ulla Gläßer & Anna Braun)
• PPM2: Fallmanagement und Arbeitsbündnis (Juliane Ade & Anna Braun)
• PPM3: Themen sammeln und mit Emotionen arbeiten (Lars Hofmann & Anna Braun)
• PPM4: Interessen erforschen und Perspektiven entwickeln (Lars Hofmann, Kirsten Schroeter & Anna Braun)
• PPM5: Wertschöpfung und Lösungskreativität, Einbeziehung von Rechtsanwält:innen (Kirsten Schroeter, Ulla Gläßer & Anna Braun)
• PPM6: Online-Mediation (Anne Rickert & Anna Braun)
• PPM7: Mediation „in Echtzeit“ durchführen (Nicole Becker & Anna Braun)

The training is led by experienced mediators and trainers who teach the participants a phase model as well as the principles and processes of mediation. Skills in conversation, negotiation and conflict dynamics are promoted. The participants also gain confidence in dealing with legal aspects of mediation. The training meets the requirements for the title of “certified mediator” according to the Mediation Act and ZMediatAusbV.

Quality assurance and adaptability

An outstanding feature of the practical training is the opportunity for participants to deselect a maximum of two of the first three modules, provided they already have practical experience in mediation training. Quality assurance is guaranteed by experienced trainers who are also actively involved in practice. Regular feedback discussions and an extensive feedback system are integral parts of the training, which is continuously adapted to social and individual needs.

Overall, the comprehensive training at the European University Viadrina demonstrates a high level of commitment to promoting mediation skills and dealing with conflicts, which is of central importance for both the individual and society. Those interested can find further information about this range of courses, which is future-oriented and practical, on the university's website. This provides more details European University Viadrina, and additional content can be found in the book itself and in the additional materials, such as in the available PDF.