Conflict, difficult experiences, questions about responsibility, and decisions about whether or how to communicate can require different kinds of support.
The resources below are offered as starting points for people seeking information, practical support, or a deeper understanding of conflict, communication, restorative approaches, trauma, boundaries, and accountability.
You do not need to be participating in a Safe Mediation process to use these resources.
Immediate & Specialist Support
If you are dealing with an immediate crisis, safety concern, or experience that requires specialist support, a dedicated service may be more appropriate than mediation.
Crisis Text Line
Free crisis support by text, available in several countries.
[crisistextline.org]
RAINN — Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
Information and confidential support relating to sexual violence, primarily in the United States.
[rainn.org]
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential information, support, and safety-planning resources relating to domestic violence in the United States.
[thehotline.org]
Respect Phoneline
UK confidential service for people concerned about their own behaviour in relationships and those seeking support to make changes.
[respectphoneline.org.uk]
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
International information and professional resources relating to traumatic stress, including a directory of clinicians.
[istss.org]
Restorative Justice & Mediation
For people interested in approaches to conflict that emphasize dialogue, agency, responsibility, understanding impact, and possibilities for repair.
The Little Book of Restorative Justice — Howard Zehr
An accessible introduction to the principles and questions underlying restorative justice.
The Little Book of Transformative Justice — Howard Zehr
Transformative Mediation
Resources on a model of mediation centered on participant agency, interaction and constructive change.
Restorative Justice Resources
Educational material exploring restorative principles, practices and applications.
Communication & Difficult Conversations
Difficult Conversations — Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton & Sheila Heen
A practical framework from the Harvard Negotiation Project for approaching conversations where disagreement, emotion and differing perspectives make communication difficult.
Thanks for the Feedback — Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen
Explores why receiving feedback can be difficult and how people can engage with feedback without necessarily agreeing with everything being said.
The Gottman Institute
Research and practical resources concerning relationships, communication and conflict.
[gottman.com]
Boundaries, Consent & Power
Right Use of Power — Cedar Barstow
Explores the ethical use of power and the responsibilities that accompany differences in role, status and influence.
Betty Martin / The Wheel of Consent
Educational work concerning consent, choice, boundaries and interpersonal dynamics.
[bettymartin.org]
Consent: The New Rules of Sex Education — Jennifer Lang, MD
An accessible resource concerning consent, bodily autonomy, relationships and communication, written particularly for younger people and those supporting them.
Trauma & Understanding the Nervous System
These resources can help readers understand some of the ways difficult or overwhelming experiences may affect emotions, relationships, communication and the body. They are educational resources and are not substitutes for individualized clinical care.
The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk
A widely known introduction to the relationship between traumatic experiences, the brain and body.
Polyvagal Theory in Therapy — Deb Dana
A practitioner-oriented exploration of nervous-system regulation and its relationship to safety and connection.
The Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve — Stanley Rosenberg
Self-help exercises focused on nervous-system regulation.
Understanding Harmful Relationship Dynamics
Healing from Hidden Abuse — Shannon Thomas
A resource focused on recognizing and recovering from psychologically harmful relationship dynamics.
The Gaslight Effect — Robin Stern
Explores gaslighting, self-doubt and patterns of manipulation within relationships.
Mindfulness & Self-Regulation
Some people find mindfulness and regulation practices useful while navigating conflict or preparing for difficult conversations.
Headspace
Guided meditation and mindfulness resources.
[headspace.com]
Calm
Meditation, relaxation and sleep resources.
[calm.com]
A Note About These Resources
Safe Mediation provides these resources for general information and education. Inclusion does not mean that every resource, framework, author, organization, or statement reflects the views of Safe Mediation.
Different resources may be useful to different people. A resource that helps one person understand their experience may not describe another person’s experience or establish what occurred in a particular situation.
Where there are concerns involving immediate safety, mental or physical health, legal rights, or other specialist needs, we encourage people to seek appropriately qualified independent support.
Safe Mediation Resources
Explore our articles and practical resources on mediation, difficult conversations, restorative approaches, accountability, communication, and navigating complex conflict.
[Read the Safe Mediation Blog]