Transformative Mediation has its roots back in the 1970’s. The term and approach were first formalised in the Bush and Folger book, The Promise of Mediation first published in 1994, which specifically outlines a framework for transformative mediation.

As compared with problem solving mediation which is aimed at resolving specific disputes between parties and coming up with mutually acceptable solutions to the immediate, short term problems, transformative mediation aims to facilitate a deeper change in people and their interpersonal relationships, beyond just remedying short term problems.

In the introduction to The Promise of Mediation they say, “mediation’s greatest value lies in its potential not only to find solutions to people’s problems but to change people themselves for the better, in the very midst of conflict.” (Bush, 1994)

In Transformative Relationship Mediation (TRM) the mediator’s goal is to help the clients achieve this long-term change to their interpersonal relationship and see this as much more important than solving any specific problem currently impacting the parties.