UNDERSTORY MEDIATION
Transformative Mediation & Conflict Resolution in the Northern Rivers
Relational and psychologically-informed mediation for couples, workplaces, groups and communities.
At UNDERSTORY, conflict becomes an opportunity for growth, reconnection and transformation.
UNDERSTORY offers transformative mediation and conflict resolution for individuals, workplaces, groups and communities across the Northern Rivers, from Tweed to Ballina, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Lismore and surrounds, as well as online.
I work with people who want to understand what is happening beneath the conflict, find a way forward, and create meaningful change in their relationships.
Whether it's navigating personal conflict, or resolving workplace disputes - transformation is possible.
Prema Nishan
Professional Mediator, Psychotherapist, Group Facilitator
Masters of Conflict Management and Resolution (JCU)
Prof. Training Process-oriented Psychology (ANZPOP)
Dip. Art Therapy
Adv. Dip. Group Facilitation
Nationally accredited mediator (NMAS)
Professional member Resolution Institute
I bring a human, relational approach to conflict resolution, recognising that conflict is often complex and multi-layered. I take time to understand the different perspectives, needs and dynamics involved, and create a process that is responsive to the people and situation.
My approach to transformative mediation is informed by my background in process-oriented psychology, art therapy and group facilitation, alongside a Masters of Conflict Management and Resolution. I draw on a range of creative and experiential approaches where appropriate, while maintaining a clear, structured and impartial mediation process.
My aim is to create a space where people can slow things down, understand what is happening beneath the conflict, and find greater clarity, choice and possibility in how they relate to one another.
I am a nationally accredited mediator (NMAS) and a professional member of Resolution Institute.
Contact me for a free 20 minute initial consults to determine if/how a your conflict is suitable to mediate.
Please check out to my blog page for more about my approach.
INVEST IN RELATIONSHIP - THE MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE WE HAVE
“The Taoist view of life assumes that the way things are unfolding contains the basic elements necessary for solving human problems.”
– Arnold Mindell, founder Process-oriented Psychology
How Transformative Mediation Works
Conflict is rarely just about the issue on the surface. Beneath disagreement there can be different needs, perspectives, emotions, histories and ways of seeing the situation.
Transformative mediation creates space to slow things down, understand what is happening between people, and explore what each person needs in order to move forward.
My approach is relational, psychologically informed and responsive to the people and situation in front of me. The aim isn’t to force agreement, but to support greater clarity, understanding and choice — so that people can find a way forward that feels workable and meaningful.
Unlike traditional mediation, which focuses primarily on negotiating agreements and finding practical solutions, transformative mediation aims to create a deeper understanding of the underlying issues and dynamics that contribute to the conflict. This method is particularly effective in disputes where emotions are significantly involved and ongoing relationship is highly valued.
By addressing the emotional roots of the conflict, transformative mediation can lead to more sustainable and meaningful resolutions, fostering long-term positive relationships.
Hidden and unseen elements can sabotage our relationships without us even being aware of them.
A transformative approach can use role play, role reversal, indirect address, movement, art, play and sound where appropriate. All parties involved a conflict co-create a suitable conflict process to explore their inner conflict terrain, to find a safe space to break down and make sense of what is happening, and then make empowered agreements, based on renewed understanding and empowered relating.
Conflict Counselling
For Individuals
Price: $170 (75 min session) / $700 (5-session package)
One-to-one support to understand, navigate and work through difficult interpersonal conflict. For situations where mediation with the other person isn’t viable, conflict counselling helps individuals explore their responses and work skilfully with conflict through experiential processes.
One-to-One Mediation
For Two People in Conflict
Price: $350 (first session, including intake consult) / $900 (3-session package)
Mediation for people navigating difficult relationship or interpersonal conflict. We work with what is happening beneath the surface of the disagreement, creating space for understanding, clearer communication and a constructive way forward. Includes intake consult and assignments for reflection and implementation.
Workplace Mediation
Transformative mediation for workplace conflict, including difficult relationships, communication breakdowns, role tensions and unresolved grievances. The process helps people understand the dynamics beneath the conflict and find practical, sustainable ways forward. Customized to the unique needs of your organization. Pricing and process are determined after a free consultation.
Group Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Transformative mediation for groups, communities, families, friendship groups and intentional communities experiencing conflict or division. The process creates space to understand different perspectives, surface what is happening beneath the conflict and develop a way forward together. Contact for a tailored quote.
Please note: In-person sessions are the optimal and preferred way to work with conflict, due to the increased sense of connection and capacity for mobile interaction that in person work offers. However, in cases where mediation and conflict counselling is simply not possible to do in person, for example if people live in different localities, or are physically unwell, online mediation can be a suitable alternative to in-person work. Please contact me for further consultation.
I was so nervous about embarking upon mediation with my partner of 5 years, however I felt safe immediately with Prema. Her humanness, empathy and non-judgemental attitude were evident immediately. I’m so grateful for the safe space that helped my partner and I explore our conflict patterns, learn to understand each other’s needs, and communicate in a way that essentially has saved our relationship and helped us navigate parenting our son with much less stress and tension. I loved the parts work which really helped us understand each other in a new way.
Honestly I was at a total loss as to what to do about a conflict between two employees at my company (NDIS agency). I had two members of staff who I valued highly and didn’t want to lose, but they were at odds with each other and one was on the verge of quitting. I was very happy to come across Prema, who’s mediation style seemed to be very matched with the values of our organisation as well as those employees. The conflict was resolved in one session, future communication agreements were made, and the two employees went off to the pub together that evening! Our workplace has been happy and harmonious ever since! Highly recommend Prema.