In this article, we propose four mechanisms to enable mediation participants to explore problems broadly and then to decide what problem definition is most appropriate for the mediation of their case:

• A three-step systematic method for determining the problem to be addressed;
• Two variations of a rule that could be adopted by courts (and private providers) that would require lawyers or mediators to implement this systematic way of working with problem definition; and
• A new rule under which a court (or private) mediation program would offer to customize any mediation in order to seek the most appropriate problem definition

We offer these mechanisms here to stimulate a dialogue regarding the most effective and administrable approaches that could give parties-especially one-shot players-the opportunity to influence the focus of their mediation sessions.