Family Mediation

As a skilled, compassionate and highly trained mediator, I act as a neutral third party. I facilitate a different kind of conversation between you and others. I view mediation as a positive way to bring families, teens or people to the table for the opportunity to be heard, understood and acknowledged. Mediation is a private and empowering form of managing or resolving conflict. It creates a safe space for people to share, reach an understanding and is dedicated time for people to consider their options and identify how to move forward. 

Before entering into a mediation I will:

• meet with you and others involved in the situation privately to hear your stories;
• share specific details on the process and how the mediation session will unfold;
• take the time to help to speak differently so that the other person hears and understands your concerns, hopes, and fears;
• create certainty and a safe place to explore what you want, what you might have to give up and what you might not have by staying in that awkward or difficult place with whom you are in conflict. In this safe environment you might talk about what is needed or missing in the relationship or what you need now to move forward. 

When in mediation, you are fully feeling confident, competent and present because of this preparation. You feel safe, know what to expect and are familiar with what will unfold before you. Before you consider mediation, let’s talk about the benefits so that you can make the right decision. Those benefits are: 

• it is less expensive than court;
• the process and conversations are confidential;
• relationships are preserved or repaired;
• you decide the outcome.

In summary, mediation is about

• choice-you decide if this type of dispute resolution means a need;
• creativity - you have the opportunity to create a different kind of relationship;
• prevention - minimizing the harm conflict has on others (children, work relationships, interpersonal relationship).

Ask yourself:

• How different might your relationships be if you and the other person felt heard, understood and acknowledged?
• When you are in conflict, do you sense real or perceived differences in values between you and others?
  
• What is your motivation level for making a sincere change in your interactions with others?