Interruptions in divorce mediation can feel frustrating and disrespectful, but they often reveal valuable insights about emotions, concerns, or negotiation tactics. In this episode, Tom Davis, a Certified Professional Divorce Mediator, takes a deep dive into the psychology behind interruptions and how both the person interrupting and the one being interrupted can use these moments to move the mediation forward in a productive way.
You’ll learn why people interrupt during mediation—whether it’s due to emotional overload, fear of losing control, or the urgency to correct what they feel is unfair. We also explore actionable strategies for both parties: if you’re the one interrupting, discover how to channel that energy into listening more actively and responding thoughtfully. If you’re on the receiving end of interruptions, we’ll teach you how to respond calmly, acknowledge the other person’s concerns, and gently steer the conversation back on track.
By the end of the episode, you’ll have practical tools to turn one of the most common irritations in mediation—interruptions—into opportunities for clearer communication and more productive negotiations.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the Psychology of Interruptions: Interruptions often stem from emotional triggers, fear of losing control, or a need to correct perceived inaccuracies.
- For the Person Interrupting: Learn to pause, take a breath, and redirect your impulse to interrupt into constructive behaviors like active listening or asking for clarification.
- For the Person Being Interrupted: Discover how to stay calm, acknowledge the interrupter’s concerns, and guide the conversation back to your point without escalating tensions.
- Panic Button Phrases: Sample phrases for both parties to use in the heat of the moment to maintain control and steer the mediation back on course.
Sample Phrases from the Episode:
- If you feel the need to interrupt: “I want to address that point, but I’ll wait until they finish.”
- If you’re being interrupted: “I understand this is important to you, but I’d like to finish my point and then we can discuss yours.”
Duration: 11:56
Size: 23.5MB
Season: 2024
Episode:06
Series: Pro Se Mediation Boot Camp
Now What?
- Learn More about Family Synergy Mediation here: https://myfamilymediation.com
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- Explore more episodes here: https://myfamilymediation.com/podcasts/pro-se-divorce-podcast/
- On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/48W4evUkM5kqxAT73LrRsY?si=18999b16ef984434
- On Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divorce-mediation-journal/id1763072291