Understanding the dynamics of conflict resolution involves recognising several key characteristics of

Institute of Nordic Mediation
Sandakerveien 30
0473 Oslo
Norway

"Look for alternatives to punishments, not only alternative punishments."
Nordic Mediation Beyond Borders
We train mediators to resolve conflicts peacefully
Become a Certified Mediator
- and start building bridges
As a certified mediator you will be equipped to handle both small and large conflicts, including those that are international and multicultural in nature. With us you won't only get theory and knowledge, but we train you to handle real life mediations and equip you with practical and useful tools to handle even the most challenging conflicts.



Areas of Application
Mediation helps people recognize that the root of a conflict often lies in the attitudes, thoughts, and actions of all parties involved. To resolve the conflict, everyone must approach the situation differently. As a result, mediation represents a new way of being and can be applied to any type of conflict.
Mediation can, thus, be applied to…
The “small” conflict
Domestic confrontations
Labour disagreements
Neighbour conflicts
Medical disputes
The “BIG” conflict
State-investor mediation
Cross-border disputes
Environmental conflicts
International commercial disputes
The “new" conflict - understanding
Underlying causes for conflict
Our way of distribution as an important factor for conflict
The necessity for new being, thinking, relating, collaboration and action
INM Certifications
Institute of Nordic Mediation - INM offers several certifications. All our certifications are based on the three orders of solutions and learnings in conflict as described below, as well as having bearings on the entire system of organic and inorganic interactions we are all part of. We aim at leaving the world in a better place than we found it - nothing less!
The institute offers several certification programs, each focused on different aspects of mediation:
- Certified International Professional Mediator (CIPM):
Trains mediators to facilitate first and second-order changes, helping parties reach factual agreements and fostering deeper connections between individuals. - Certified International Systems Mediator (CISM):
Focuses on group work and leadership training, helping parties implement conflict management routines and promoting deeper self-awareness. - Certified International Transformation Mediator (CITM):
Prepares mediators for systemic transformation by addressing structural issues and promoting educational policy and political dialogue
The certifications are consecutive. They all imply all three orders of solution and learning in conflict, though each has each own particular focus. For more information about each certification, see below.
Approaches
By approaches we point at how the mediators work and what they particularly focus on in their facilitation.
Bridges
Bridging refers to what our mediators are trained to overcome, respectively to bridge, enhancing bridges or building new bridges.
The Certified International Professional Mediator (CIPM) is trained to facilitate particularly change of the 1st and 2nd order.
Approaches
- Mediating conflicts
- Conferencing
- Feedback
Bridges
- The relationship between parties
- The inner connection in people
- The Factual agreement
The CIPM must attain a status and a position so the parties in a conflict ascribe the mediator a legitimacy so they are willing to go with what the mediator facilitates. This is primordailly being congruent; there is an alignment between what is the mediator’s experience, the mediator’s awareness and the mediator’s communication. This means the mediator knows what s/he feels and s/he says what s/he knows – in relationship to the parties
CIPM is a professional mediator because s/he has an encompassing approach which has the potential to facilitate the resolution of any conflict in any domain
"The achivement of mediation is to bring parties into the constructive thinking that it is a question of «us» and «them»…"
The Certified International Systems Mediator (CISM) is trained to facilitate particularly change of the 2nd and 3rd order
Approaches
- Group Work
- Leader Training
- Development of conflict management routines and implementation
Enhancing Bridges
- Helping groups to unfold and develop
- Facilitating people being themselves
- Deeper understanding of the Inner Act
- Continous evaluation of systems
The CISM’s congruence; facilitates the parties being congruent. The mediator is congruent while also being empathetic and acceptant to what parties and representatives of a system still needs to understand - in order to introduce the necessary changes to the system.
"A person is a process…
…and feelings are part of that process"
Eugene Gendlin
The societal conditions for peaceful and effective conflict resolutions and sustainability.
The Certified International Transformation Mediator (CITM) is trained to facilitate transformation of a new order.
Approaches
- Structural work
- Political implications of dialogue
- Educational Policy
- Teach and Supervise
Creating New Bridges
- Training
- Supervising
- Laying groundwork for critical embodied thinking
The CITM’s presence and work facilitates parties to think creatively, to be themselves, and in dialogue with other system representatives come up with new foundations for sustainability and dialogue. This entails facilitating people’s understanding of their own vulnerability, and interdependence with their fellow human beings.
The CITM is a candidate to become part of INM’s trainer team.
"We need to change the world……and we particularly need to enable new generations to change the world."
The description of the Certified European Professional Mediatior (CEPM) training in Indonesia can be found here.
The description of the Certified Advanced Professional Mediatior (CAPM) training in Indonesia can be found here.
Our Trainings
All our trainings are all built on the same format described below:
What people are saying about our training

Anne liv imsland
Department manager
Must be experienced to believe how good it is!
The course was incredibly educational and has been very useful afterwards.

Martin jakobsson
VP TÜV SÜD DK
A great way with people - unlocking their skills
Everybody has learnt to listen, relate and then to act, Highly recommended.

gisken holst
Mediator MMCR
Org. psychologist
Present in a profound and empathetic way
Exceptionally good at enhancing learning in a supportive manner.
People we have been training up through the years point at three domains of learnings:
- The knowledge they acquire about conflicts and how to enter as a third party
- The practical, hands-on approach by which they get concrete tools to facilitate solutions and learnings
- The process of personal development they go through in order to integrate the skills and the knowledge
"The ultimate goal of science is the increase of fundamental knowledge"
Our Approach to Training Mediators
The program is built on three pillars: 1) a thorough understanding of conflict and conflict resolution skills inspired by the Master of Mediation and Conflict Resolution (MMCR) program developed at the University of Copenhagen, 2) the Person-Centered Approach (PCA) as developed by Carl Rogers and his successors, and 3) the Nordic societal model, which values the inherent worth of all individuals and emphasizes the necessary participation in society for peaceful coexistence. Please read more below about each pillar.
"One cannot move gradually from the old to the new. One must adopt one or the other: this is a paradigm shift"
Solution and Learning in Conflict
Disruptive, ongoing conflicts have to be mediated, emerging conflicts to be managed, and potential conflicts must be prevented.
INM's framework addresses three "orders of solutions": immediate de-escalation, fostering long-term relationships, and addressing systemic changes. Mediators trained at INM are equipped to resolve conflicts while fostering lasting change and understanding. Mediators must use all facilitative skills to resolve conflicts peacefully, encourage accountability, and promote learning. Conflict prevention, though often undervalued, is crucial.
Mediators' Development & Competencies
Our learning philosophy explained
As trainers of mediators we experience a clear link and correlation between mediators’ inner development and the mediators' approach in mediations. To illuminate how deep personal development goals can be integrated into training and practice of conflict resolution and mediation we use the framework “Inner Development Goals” (IDGs).
Inner Development Goals (IDG)

The Certifying Body

About the Institute of Nordic Mediation - INM
The Institute of Nordic Mediation (INM) is a science based, professional institution dedicated to promoting and advancing the practice of Nordic mediation across various sectors, both domestically and internationally. INM emphasizes a holistic approach to conflict resolution, which integrates personal development, systemic understanding, and transformative processes to achieve sustainable solutions. The institute is built upon the philosophy that mediation goes beyond merely resolving disputes; it fosters personal growth, improved relationships, and long-term social harmony.
INM’s commitment to sustainable conflict resolution extends beyond the Nordic region. When certified by INM, mediators are empowered to work in various international settings, addressing conflicts within organizations, communities, and even at the political level. By embedding principles of inclusivity, empathy, and collaboration, INM seeks to contribute to the development of a global community capable of managing conflicts in constructive and innovative ways.
In summary, the Institute of Nordic Mediation is not just a training body for mediators; it is a transformative institution aiming to change the way conflicts are approached and resolved worldwide. Its programs emphasize personal and systemic development, making its mediators well-rounded professionals equipped to handle complex and evolving conflicts.
Founders & Chief Trainers
Kjell has extensive experience in conflict management, both at home and abroad, and mediates in several languages. Kjell focuses on diversity and how we can find sustainable solutions together. When training mediators, he excels in challenging trainees at the same time as taking good care of them.
Kjell is a social scientist (University of Oslo) with a background in pedagogy, anthropology and sociology, and holds a Master's degree in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, MMCR (University of Copenhagen), as well as being a Certified Focusing Trainer.
He is chairman of the Association of Nordic Mediators.
When not working he enjoys acquiring new languages, listening to music and enjoying good food - both cooking and eating it.
Tudi brings extensive expertise in conflict coaching, mediation, and leadership development across public and private sectors. She empowers leaders to cultivate a dynamic, learning-oriented conflict culture and mediates conflicts in both national and global organizations with a keen eye on cross-cultural work relations.
Collaborating with Denmark’s largest leadership organization, Tudi has educated and trained over 1,000 leaders in conflict dynamics and mediation. She champions these skills as essential for sustainable organizations and the personal growth of managers.
She holds Master’s degrees in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, MMCR (University of Copenhagen), and Psychology & International Development (Roskilde University). She also serves on the board of the Association of Nordic Mediators.
When not working, Tudi explores new cultures through travel and, when home, crafts delicious coffee at her family's local market café.
Reinert has extensive experience in leadership, team and organizational development, as well as conflict resolution in both small and large private and public organizations. He specializes in resolving conflicts within teams and departments but also mediates between individuals, including for the Norwegian Conflict Council. He is also a trainer of mediators.
Reinert is a computer engineer with a master's degree in mediation and conflict resolution from the University of Copenhagen. He also holds various certifications and has completed numerous courses in coaching for both teams and individuals, relational competency and pedagogy, and change management. Dialogue and relationships are his most important tools in his work as a conflict resolver.
When he is not working, he often enjoys the sea or the snow – preferably with sun and wind!
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
In Cooperation with
We collaborate, amongst others, closely with esteemed institutions in the field, enhancing our approach to mediation through shared knowledge and expertise. This allows us to combine strengths, innovate, and build on proven methodologies, ensuring that we deliver effective and impactful conflict resolution practices.
Members of
We are members of Nordic Mediators and Norwegian Mediators MMCR, both of which work for the promotion of a professional, science-based and ethical way of resolving conflicts peacefully. Our mediators work according to these organizations’ code of conduct.
Inspired by
Like-minded organizations enrich our vision, deepen our commitment, and amplify our collective ability to foster positive, lasting change in communities worldwide.
University of copenhagen
Peace Research Institute Oslo
Uppsala University
The Council for International Conflict Resolution
The Nobel Peace Price
Nordic Mediators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between your training and other courses in mediation?
Why are role plays so prevalent in your training?
Why are you so concerned about mediators’ inner development?
I am not acquainted with mediation. Can I still enrol in your training?
Can this training be carried out online?
How do you ensure that your training remains relevant and effective for mediators over time?
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Institute of Nordic Mediation, all rights reserved