About ICRC

About ICRC…

The Institute of Conflict Resolution and Communication (ICRC) is a premiere educational provider of conflict resolution and communication programs that stands apart because our signature approach uses Evidence-Based Best Practices that are Transformative, Humanistic, and Multidisciplinary, rooted directly in the Conflict Resolution Field. ICRC applies a holistic perspective to all programs, which is based on strong theory, solid research, and best practices. All trainings are relevant for professional development as well as personal growth. ICRC delivers state of the art programs for professionals and practitioners with a delivery format that is far from traditional training!

The Trainers & Faculty Members of ICRC…

The trainers affiliated with ICRC are world class  experts in a variety of fields that include, but are not limited to business, law, conflict resolution, psychology, family therapy, education, anthropology, accounting, and communication. ICRC trainings are offered from a multidisciplinary perspective. Faculty members are experts in their fields. Check them out on the Guest Faculty link. It is no surprise that ICRC programs are interactive, engaging, and enriching while they provide participants with opportunities to network. A hallmark of ICRC trainings is the skill-building sessions with the service of personal conflict coach along the way.

Did You Know…

The career of “MEDIATOR” made U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Careers” for three years in a row.

The profession of mediator is  in demand and relevant in contemporary times.

The services of mediators are being sought out increasingly greater today than ever in the past!

Mediators can make $300 an hour.

Mediation is a very rewarding career by helping people with their disputes!

The Story Behind ICRC…

As Director, I founded ICRC in 2007 to deliver a level of mediation and conflict resolution education and services to professionals and the public that most programs cannot match because of the experience and evidence-based work we bring to the table. I built ICRC from a deep commitment to re-imagine conflict not as a destructive force, but as a transformative opportunity for growth, understanding, and lasting change. Over the years, I have trained thousands of students as mediators and conflict resolution professionals, conducted thousands of mediation cases (across dispute types such as family, circuit, organizational, governmental, environmental, and international settings…etc.) and engaged in high-stakes conflict resolution projects around the world. As a Professor in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies at Nova Southeastern University for more than 20 years, and as part of one of the nation’s earliest graduate Ph.D. programs in Conflict Resolution, established more than 30 years ago, I have had the privilege of helping shape the next generation of mediators and conflict resolution professionals and through ICRC, I also wanted to provide stellar training to professionals in the public who want to expand their careers into alternative dispute resolution. I saw the need for a place where people could gain not only knowledge, but real competencies grounded in what actually works in the field. As an authority, visionary, and leading expert in mediation and conflict resolution, I wanted students, professionals, and the public to learn from evidence-based best practices rather than from narrow approaches, anecdotal methods, or training that offers theory without the depth of real-world application. As editor of the contemporary The Mediation Handbook: Theory, Research and Practice published by Routledge, I collaborated with leading experts in the mediation and conflict resolution field, and as a result I integrate contemporary theory, research, and practice in all the work we do at ICRC to deliver the best evidence-based practices. ICRC is also shaped by my complex conflict work in real-world, high-stakes conflict in domestic and global contexts. My international work with Mediators Beyond Borders, includes engagements related to conflicts and wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. It was also shaped by what I saw over many years in the field: conflict is often approached too superficially, even though it is deeply tied to human emotions, identity, culture, power, history, and relationships, so ICRC was created to offer something stronger and more meaningful. At ICRC, our purpose is to help prepare people not only to manage or resolve conflict, but to transform it in ways that create lasting impact for individuals, organizations, communities, and society.

My team and I bring a signature approach to all ICRC offerings by using Evidence-Based Best Practices that are Transformative, Humanistic, and Multidisciplinary. Transformative means we focus on changing the interaction patterns that keep conflict stuck, so outcomes are sustainable, not just negotiated. Humanistic means we center compassion, dignity, voice, and psychological safety so parties feel empowerment and self determination. Multidisciplinary means we draw from the best of conflict resolution research, negotiation, communication, and relational dynamics across disciplines of study to address the real forces in conflict.

Whether you come to ICRC for mediation or conflict resolution training, you will experience an approach designed to transform people and conflict. Most importantly, you will be prepared to tackle conflict with not only the “know how”, but also with real competencies based on evidence-based best practices. 

I welcome you to contact us and let us know how we can assist you!

Why Choose Us

• To learn from world class professionals and educators in the field!
• To proudly display your Florida Supreme Court Certificate!
• To start an exciting career as a mediator!
• To learn how to effectively mediate conflict!
• To receive CME and/or CLE credits!
• To understand the mediation process.
• To enhance your conflict management skills!

Perfect for

Perfect for, but not limited to individuals involved in the following fields: Business, Law, Family Therapy, Psychology, Healthcare, Mental Health, Education, Criminal Justice, Conflict Resolution, Environmental Studies, Human Resources, Entertainment, and Social Sciences. Perfect for people who are representing clients in mediation sessions regularly and people who themselves will be involved with mediation as parties.

About the Director

Alexia Georgakopoulos, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Conflict Studies at Nova Southeastern University, USA. She is the Director of the Institute of Conflict Resolution and Communication, a conflict resolution training and consulting firm specializing in delivering educational training and certification to professionals. A world class scholar and practitioner in mediation with numerous articles, book chapters, and speaking engagements, she was featured on NBC’s Today Show to discuss peace in the diverse world. She has trained thousands of students as mediators and conflict resolution professionals, conducted thousands of mediation cases (across dispute types such as family, circuit, organizational, community, governmental, environmental, and international settings…etc.) and engaged in high stakes conflict resolution projects around the world.

Alexia Georgakopoulos is the Editor of The Handbook of Mediation: Theory, Research and Practice, by Routledge, 2017 (click here for details).

Alexia Georgakopoulos, Ph.D. works in both domestic and international contexts. She is approved by the Florida Supreme Court as a qualified primary trainer for Florida Supreme Court Certification in Mediation. Her training is based on two decades of experience, practice, and academic work.

Alexia Georgakopoulos, Ph.D. works as a professional trainer and consultant for multinational organizations, school systems, healthcare organizations, family systems, governmental agencies, religious organizations, community-based organizations, and international organizations. She delivers mediation, facilitation, communication, diversity, and conflict management trainings.

Training Locations

Primary Training Location: Nova Southeastern University – Carl Desantis Building

The Carl DeSantis Building is home to the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship’s undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs. Its state-of-the-art amenities provide our students with a comfortable, professional, contemporary and functional academic environment.

The Institute of Conflict Resolution & Communication has chosen this facility because it provides a comfortable learning environment with state-of-the-art conference facilities. For your convenience, the DeSantis Building includes an Einstein Bros. Bagel store.

Parking is available in multi-story parking garage adjacent to the Carl DeSantis Buidling. Public parking costs $1/hour.

Primary Training Location: Florida Atlantic University (FAU)