Designed to deal with the practical operation of the mediation process, with particular reference to the skills and techniques which can be used by mediators to assist the parties' decision-making process.

Written for both beginner and experienced mediators and others involved in the practice of dispute resolution, it deals systematically with all aspects of the mediation process, covering a wide range of planning, precautionary and trouble-shooting methods required in practice.

It emphasises three particular features of the mediator's role:
- Understanding, diagnosing and defining the conflict
- The importance of creating the best possible climate for parties to resolve disputes
- Being a facilitator of the parties' negotiations.