Advanced Mediation: Presence, Posture, and Practice in Complex Conflict
A 60-hour Advanced Mediation training for experienced practitioners ready to step fully into the mediator role.
Many trained mediators in Canada do not feel fully prepared to step into complex, high-stakes mediation.
In the absence of advanced practice spaces, mediation is often replaced by facilitated dialogue, conflict coaching, or hybrid approaches that avoid the heart of mediation itself: structured, principled, and respectful engagement between parties with divergent positions.
This 60-hour program exists to change that.
Designed by Carole Soucis, STUDIO17 MEDIATION (S17M), and delivered in collaboration with the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution (CICR).
Next cohort starts in June 2026:
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2 Days Online: June 22 & 23
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4 Days in Person (Ottawa): July 7 to 10
Who is this program for?
This advanced training is designed for experienced mediators who:
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Have completed comprehensive mediation training
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Are actively working in conflict resolution, ombuds, workplace, community, or public-sector contexts
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Feel the limits of entry-level or process-focused mediation models
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Want to strengthen their mediator posture, presence, and legitimacy
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Are ready to bring real, complex cases into a rigorous peer learning environment.
This program is open to mediators trained through any recognized pathway.
This is not only a skills-upgrade workshop, but a practice-deepening, identity-shaping program that supports mediators to:
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Re-ground themselves in the core principles of mediation
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Clarify what mediation is and what it is not
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Develop a clear, embodied mediator posture
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Work confidently with complex, identity-based, and deeply rooted conflicts
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Receive direct feedback on their practice from peers and a senior practitioner
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Move from “trained mediator” to seasoned conflict resolution practitioner
What makes this training different?
Program Structure
June 22 & 23
16 Hours - Virtual
(Zoom)
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Complexity of conflict
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When mediation is relevant — and when it isn’t
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Core principles, mandate, and structure
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Styles and approaches
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Mediator posture and expertise
Between sessions
8 Hours - Individual Preparation
Readings and reflective work
July 7-10
32 Hours - In Person
(Ottawa, CICR)
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Ethics, mandate, and case design
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Participant-led case presentations
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Live mediation practice
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Observation, feedback, and peer assessment
After sessions
4 hours – Follow-up mentoring
Individual and group sessions (virtual)
Application & Selection Process
Participation is by application only.
Applicants will:
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Complete a short questionnaire
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Participate in an individual conversation with the trainer
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Receive confirmation of fit before registration is finalized
This ensures a high-trust, high-engagement learning environment for all participants.
Please note that cohorts will be limited to a maximum of 12 participants.
About the Trainer
Carole Soucis is a senior conflict resolution practitioner with decades of experience in:
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Complex and identity-based mediation
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Intercultural and deeply rooted conflict
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National-level and high-complexity interventions
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Ombuds, organizational, and public-interest contexts
Having worked in Canada and internationally, and as CEO of STUDIO17 MEDIATION (S17M), Carole identified a significant gap: there are very few spaces where experienced mediators can bring the real complexity of their practice, receive high-level feedback, and consolidate a mature mediation posture.
Carole designed this 60-hour training program to meet that need.
