Collaborative Problem Resolution (CoPR)
What is Collaborative Problem Resolution?
What kinds of situations can be handled with CoPR?
How can I find out more about CoPR?
What is Collaborative Problem Resolution?
Collaborative Problem Resolution (CoPR) is a facilitated conflict resolution approach, a type of mediation, originally developed by Bruce Chalmer, Ph.D. based on ideas from narrative therapy and collaborative assessment. CoPR can help parties to a conflict:
· Achieve agreements that are mutually acceptable, and therefore more likely to be workable in practice than imposed solutions
· Avoid or shorten expensive litigation
· Improve communication between parties in conflict, even when emotions have run high
· Foster effective working relationships between parties
What kinds of situations can be handled with CoPR?
· Separation and divorce issues
· Child custody and visitation disputes
· Family disagreements
· Employer/employee or other workplace conflicts
· Business disputes
· Landlord/tenant disputes
· Organizational conflicts
· Many other types of conflicts
When parties to a conflict are:
· Interested in achieving agreement and avoiding or lessening the costs, both financial and emotional, of continued conflict or imposed outcomes
· Able to negotiate freely without fear of violence, coercion or intimidation
· Willing to participate in facilitated conversations with the other(s) involved in the conflict
The parties meet with a CoPR facilitator, together or separately as appropriate to the situation. Joint meetings are usually scheduled for two-hour sessions. Many situations can be resolved to the parties’ satisfaction in one or two sessions; other situations require more time.
CoPR is designed to facilitate agreement efficiently, thereby saving the parties time, expense and emotional pain. The CoPR process respectfully positions the parties to work collaboratively against problems, rather than against each other, even when there has been a history of dispute.
A written summary documents the process, including any agreements reached. The parties are encouraged to consult their attorneys as appropriate before entering into any binding agreements.
CoPR facilitators are licensed professionals in therapeutic fields (e.g., psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists) with training and experience in narrative therapy and other collaborative therapeutic approaches, as well as additional training in CoPR. As licensed professionals, CoPR facilitators abide by strict ethical standards.
Training and supervision in CoPR is available from the Vermont Center for Collaborative Assessment—contact us for details.
Although CoPR is based on principles derived from narrative therapy and collaborative assessment, CoPR is not itself therapy as the term is used in the insurance industry, and is not covered by health insurance.
How can I find out more about CoPR?
Contact the Vermont Center for Collaborative Assessment by email at vcca@someware.com.
Vermont Center for Collaborative Assessment
Bruce Chalmer, Ph. D., Director
366 Dorset St., Suite 10
South Burlington, VT 05403
802-860-6671