Toward a new discourse for mediation: A critique of neutrality

This article explores narrative (storytelling) as an alternative discourse for the practice of mediation. Through the case analysis of a mediation session we show that neutrality, as it is often understood, leads to problems for mediators in constructing agreements. We suggest that by focusing on the storytelling process, mediators will have a new set of resources to enhance the actual interactions that take place in the mediation setting. Unlike most mediation research, this article is based on the empirical examination of actual practices.