The focus and thinking of parties in mediation is influenced and driven by the kind of questions they are asked. The quality and strategic focus of the question will influence the connections generated in the brain, and this will affect the quality of their thinking and, ultimately, the quality of their responses.

Example:
If you ask a question that is problem focused, you may get responses about the problem accompanied by negative emotions regarding the past. Any follow-up question needs to focus on opportunities and possibilities for the future, if you are past the stage of exploring underlying interests.

Example:
Party says:

‘She should stop behaving like that!’ (Former narrative)

Mediator’s reframe:

‘How would you like Karen to be from now on?’ (Moving to a new narrative)

Example:
Party says: ‘

It would never work.’ (Former narrative)

Mediator asks:

‘What would it be like if it did work?’ (Moving to a new narrative)

‘If it did work, what would have happened that would have resulted in it working?’ (Moving to a new narrative)

Hazard Warning
Moving parties from a past narrative to a future narrative should only be done after parties have had an opportunity to express their emotions.

Note:
Asking ‘Future Focus‘ questions is another way to move parties out of a negative spiral and these are covered in Chapter 17 of ‘The Mediator’s Toolkit: Formulating and Asking Questions for Successful Outcomes‘ and are also covered in the online training based on The S Questions Model developed in the book.