Training
We offer conflict resolution training and workshops to individuals, teams and workplaces. Join us for our training sessions or learn about tailored training for your organization. Want to become a mediator? This is the place for you.
These are a few of the organizations that have trained with us:
- Pierce County Auditor's Office
- Pacific Source
- True Blue
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE)
- Safe Streets
- Tacoma Public Schools
- Tacoma Community College
- AmeriCorps
- City of Tacoma
- Department of Social & Health Services
Custom Training for Your Organization
People who take our trainings leave feeling empowered with new knowledge and skills to improve their professional development path. Our trainings are relevant, interactive, and meet a variety of learning styles.
We work with organizations to resolve interpersonal disputes, build teamwork, and facilitate strategic planning and change processes. Our most popular training topics include:
- Basic conflict resolution skills
- Interpersonal communication skills
- How to diffuse aggression through acknowledgment
- Conflict de-escalation techniques
- Customized exercises and content
- Designing a process for an effective conflict resolution process
Training for You
All of our training is designed to provide tools to empower you to address and resolve conflict. Many of our trainees say they use the skills they learn in many aspects of their lives - from improving family relationships to neighborhood interactions to issues that crop up at work.
We are intentional about our approach to training. For every hour of a class you're in, we spend about 10 hours preparing to ensure your exprerience is interactive, engaging, and most importantly, meaningful.
"They really know the materials and present the information effectively and aren't afraid to use those skills to encourage growth during the training," said one training participant.
Basic Mediation Training (BMT)
Participants will learn how to hold difficult conversations in a respectful way, especially when people don’t agree. The agenda for this 40-hour experiential training includes: an overview of conflict resolution systems, conflict dynamics, styles concepts, resolution concepts, the 8-stage mediation model, interpersonal communication skills, the mediator role, neutrality & bias, positions, interests, values, basic needs, mediator ethics, protocol, professional standards, and cultural diversity.
After finishing this course, you will receive a certificate of completion and will be able to apply for the mediator Practicum to become a certified mediator. Learn more about our Practicum here.
Upcoming Basic Mediation Training Dates
2025
- Winter: February 4, 5, 7, 11, 12 and 14
- Location: Online - Zoom
- Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST
- Register here
- Spring: April 4, 5, 6, 18, and 19
- Location: Center for Dialog & Resolution, 717 Tacoma Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98402
- Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST
- Register here
- Summer: July 9, 10, 11, 16, and 17
- Location: Center for Dialog & Resolution, 717 Tacoma Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98402
- Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST
- Register here
- Fall: September 25, 26, 27. October 9 and 10
- Location: Center for Dialog & Resolution, 717 Tacoma Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98402
- Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST
- Register here
Cost
- $650 per person if paid 30 days or more in advance
- $700 per person if paid fewer than 30 days in advance
- $550 per person for three or more attendees from the same organization
Professional Development Credits = 37.5
Continuing Education Unit (CEU)
Continuing Legal Education credits (CLE) - Washington State Bar Association
Clock Hours
Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Other Resources
Need financial assistance? Learn about our Basic Mediation TrainingScholarship Program
"I am so impressed with the coaches. I would be that kid who tried to stand next to you guys in the lunch line everyday just to soak up your pearls of wisdom..."
- Basic Mediation Training Participant
Want to become a mediator?
Interested in joining our team of volunteer mediators? Start by completing our Basic Mediation Training (BMT) or an equivalent training from another Dispute Resolution Center*.
Once you have received your BMT certificate of completion, the next step is to apply to participate in our practicum.
Practicum Requirements
The practicum at CDR is one of the largest and most active in Washington State that meets and exceeds the state standards for certification set forth by Resolution Washington (the association of Washington State Dispute Resolution Centers – DRCs).
The practicum is open to anyone who has completed an approved 40-hour basic mediation training. The fee is $500 for CDR training graduates and $700 for people who completed approved training with a different organization.
If you have taken or wish to take your basic mediation training somewhere other than CDR, specific documentation is required:
- Submit a copy of your Certificate of Completion for the 40-hour course
- Submit a copy of the agenda of the training
Applications and alternate basic training submissions must be reviewed and approved by the CDR. After completing the practicum, there is a continued commitment to:
- be an active volunteer mediator with the CDR over the next two-year period
- volunteer for a minimum of six mediations
- participate in at least four mediator in-service trainings at CDR
Practicum Activities
Each practicum is individualized and all will include:
- observing six to eight mediations
- solo mediating a simulated mediation, including a personal evaluation and feedback from an experienced proctor
- co-mediating a minimum of six cases with certified mediators
Certification
Once the practicum is complete, the applicant will:
- request formal certification from a certification committee member
- submit a narrative review of skill development through their practicum
- submit his or her plan for further skill development and commitment to CDR during your re-certification term
- If skill goals are met, certification is awarded. Otherwise, additional opportunities for skill building are provided in a revised plan.
Practicum Application Process
We will ask you to fill out and send several forms to apply for a practicum, including:
- Internship application
- Résumé
- Practicum Entry Exercise form
- Volunteer commitment and confidentiality form
- Drug-free form
Contact us to learn more about becoming a certified mediator.
Tough Conversations:
Supervisory and Management Skills
Learn how to create opportunity out of difficult situations in this highly interactive and customized workshop.
In 16 hours, you will explore typical communication issues and learn how to effectively resolve conflict. You will understand effective communication techniques, conflict styles and strategies, intergenerational communication, and collaborative conflict resolution.
Engage in this highly interactive workshop environment where both large and small group participation are encouraged, providing ample opportunities to practice applied skills within a supportive and safe setting. Your new skills will help you navigate situations like gossip, bad behavior, rumors, power dynamics, and managing emotions.
Tough Conversations Training Dates
2025
- Dates pending. If you are interested in taking this training in 2025, please email ErikaH@centerforresolution.org to be notified when dates are set.
Cost
- $499 per person
- $449 per person for three or more attendees from the same organization
Professional Development Credits = 16
Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Eligible
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits
"This was one of the best training seminars I have ever participated in." - Tough Conversations Training Participant
When a customer is upset, they blame you, raise their voice, and repeat themselves over and over. They expect you to agree with them, they want you to fix their problem, they are rude and disrespectful, and they want you to talk to them until it is fixed! They might have all day – but you don’t!
Join our 2-Day in person highly interactive workshop designed for employees dealing with the public. Both large and small group participation are encouraged, providing ample opportunities to practice applied skills within a supportive and safe setting. Learn conflict dynamics, de-escalation techniques, and communication skills. Reframe negatives into positives and close discussions efficiently.
When the Public Attacks Training Dates
2024
- December 3 & 4
- Location: Center for Dialog & Resolution, 717 Tacoma Ave. S. Tacoma, WA 98402
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST
- Register here
NOTE: This training was rescheduled from its original October 29 & 30 dates. Please email ErikaH@CenterForResolution.org if you have any questions.
2025
- March 4 & 5
- Location: Center for Dialog & Resolution, 717 Tacoma Ave. S. Tacoma, WA 98402
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST
- Register here
Cost
- $499 per person
- $449 per person for three or more attendees from the same organization
- $399 per person for five or more attendees from the same organization
Settlement Conference Panelist Training
Join our complimentary online course exclusively for attorneys to refresh your skills and learn how to become a settlement conference mediator at the Center for Dialog & Resolution. Attorneys have the power to help people avoid court by resolving conflict through a settlement conference mediation.
This 4-Hour Settlement Conference Panelist Training includes:
- Directive vs evaluative mediation skills
- Best practices: joint session v shuttle
- Professional mediator standards of conduct & Rules of Professional Conduct 2.4
- Managing when one side is Pro Se
- Uniform Mediation Act RCW 7.07
We provide facilitated Settlement Conferences for both District Court and Superior Court. Each case at the Center is facilitated by volunteer attorneys and mediators skilled in evaluative mediation practices.
Benefits for volunteer Settlement Conference panelists:
- Contribute to the local legal community & find support from other legal professionals
- Make a difference by fostering peaceful resolutions in our community
- Network with attorneys, trainers, other Center mediation practitioners
- Receive ongoing skill training in conflict resolution
- Expedition of your own cases at the Center
Settlement Conference Training Dates:
2024
- Winter: Wednesday, November 20 at 12:30pm-4:30pm
- Location: Online - Zoom
- Registration closed. If you are interested in taking this training in 2025, please email ErikaH@centerforresolution.org to be notified when dates are set.
2025
- Dates pending. If you are interested in taking this training in 2025, please email ErikaH@centerforresolution.org to be notified when dates are set.
Cost:
- Complimentary
Note:
- This training is exclusively for attorneys.
Professional Development Credits = 3.5
Continuing Legal Education credits (CLE) - Washington State Bar Association
Clock Hours
