ABOUT L. M. WATSON & ASSOCIATES

L. M. Watson & Associates is a Conflict Management Firm specializing in Mediation, Consulting, and Educational Workshops.  We empower people to create solutions and access healthy communication patterns which impact family, workplace and community interactions.



ABOUT LISA M. WATSON
FOUNDER OF L. M. WATSON & ASSOCIATES

Lisa M. Watson, M.A., C.L.C. has been helping people negotiate, resolve conflict and communicate more effectively for over 15 years.  Lisa works effectively and efficiently with people at all levels of discord, and specializes in high-conflict disputes which appear to be gridlocked. 

LISA'S MEDIATION STYLE

SOLUTION-ORIENTED & REALITY-BASED
While Mediation can bring healing, it is not a form of therapy.  The Solution-Oriented approach to Mediation is future-focused with the intended goal of obtaining mutually agreeable outcomes which meet or surpass expectations.

TRANSFORMATIVE & FACILITATIVE 
By coupling these two forms of mediation we are often able to not only resolve the immediate conflict, but also provide the foundation for effective and productive communication moving forward – even in high-conflict situation. When in conflict people have a tendency to attempt to negotiate for short-term returns without consideration for the long-term impact on relationships. Any resolution ends up being temporary as the "losing" party remains frustrated and angry with the outcome, and over time becomes even more resentful toward their counterpart. This basically ensures that the issue will require revisiting when the "losing" party attempts to level the playing field in an effort to have their needs met. This leads to a perpetual demand-concession approach to conflict resolution, which places the parties squarely in a position of combat indefinitely.

Our approach is both reactive and preventative in nature. We seek to help the parties resolve the presenting problem while providing the necessary framework for improved communication moving forward. Our goal is to ensure lasting relief and improvement rather than a temporary fix.

CHILD-CENTERED (divorce mediation)  
Lisa understands that conflict before, during and after a divorce is inevitable.  Throughout the process of mediation she helps parents learn to work effectively with each other’s differences enabling their children to maintain the strong relationships they deserve with both parents without guilt or mixed emotions.

TAILORED TO YOUR SITUATION (divorce mediation & other)  
Lisa understands that often people begin the mediation process at varying stages of acceptance, and that needs and perspectives are different depending upon where ech individual is in relation to one another.  Lisa is respectful of both parties and tailors the mediation session to meet the individualized needs of everyone involved.


A NOTE FROM LISA

I have always been fascinated with people; the differences and similarities among them, the way people think, what motivates behaviors, how thoughts and behaviors affect health & happiness, and how we as human beings with all of our vast differences can affect lasting and rewarding change. 

I began my work in the field of counseling in 1993 after graduating with a B.S. in Psychology.  I now hold an M.A. in Professional Counseling as well as multiple Certifications.  Since 1993, I have enjoyed working extensively with people of many diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and ages including children, adolescents and adults of all ages.  I knew as I began my career that I wanted to build an experiential knowledge base prior to the eventual opening of my own practice.  I have acquired work experiences in; in-patient hospital, out-patient hospital, cardiac  rehab, college/university counseling/program development, marriage & family counseling, adolescent residential treatment center, group, couple and individual counseling, various volunteer positions and finally private practice. My primary focus is Mediation and Conflict Resolution.

I have worked with couples, families and groups in conflict since the beginning of my career in topic areas including relationships (various forms), divorce, marriage and a wide range of family issues including navigating and improving relationships, managing health issues (mental & physical) & the effects on family, and navigating the end of relationships etc.

I believe people are people; no one person is better than another based upon their skin color, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.  I believe that no matter who you are, you have had reasons for every choice you have made.  I believe that anyone can change if they desire to, and that you absolutely have the power to influence not only your life experiences, but also your health.  I believe that there is no way I can understand your life situation unless I set my experience and expectations aside and walk in your shoes unconditionally and without judgment.  I believe that very few people experience unconditional caring on a daily basis and that being understood and truly accepted is profoundly powerful.

I believe that most people see conflict as the enemy rather than embracing it as an opportunity to improve conditions and relationships, and that a simple change in approach can have tremendous impact. I believe that we all possess inherent strengths and abilities that go underutilized.  That while at times life and specific relationships can feel frustrating and overwhelming, it is always within our power to make impacting modifications in thought and action. I believe I can help you to recognize and further utilize strengths you may not even know you have, and in doing so increase your quality of life tremendously. I see conflict as an opportunity, and I can help you to navigate the stressful aspects of your situation to come to a place where you can embrace opportunity as well.

I look forward to meeting you, learning from you and evolving with you.

---lisa m watson

DEGREE
M.A. Professional Counseling

CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Lifestyle Counselor
Medical Hypnotherapy

ADVANCED TRAININGS
Mediation/Conflict Resolution
Marriage & Family Counseling                         
Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Enneagram (Trained with Enneagram pioneers, Don Riso & Russ Hudson)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Association For Conflict Resolution (ACR)
International Enneagram Association (IEA)