The Role of the Mediation Process in Creating Trust

Efrain Martinez

Former CRS Mediator, Houston Office


[Full Interview]

Question:
What about trust between the parties?

Answer:
...They test each other out. If they establish a working relationship based on whatever they're going to do together, then the process itself begins creating this trust among them. You can't just say, "Hey trust me." They never have total trust, especially if there's been a history of mistrust, but a lot of times that mistrust is based on misunderstanding, or lack of understanding. So through a process, it creates an opportunity for trust.