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Conflict left unresolved can lead to illness and lasting harm. Conflict that is resolved can lead to understanding, clarity and be a strong catalyst for change.
Mediation offers a safe and non adversarial opportunity to explore hidden choices and transformational opportunities necessary to provide long lasting resolution to the problem. Almost all disputes can be mediated. People make their own decisions. It is confidential. Your mediator is a neutral guide, helping to generate options, set the tone and define the rules of engagement. The mediator helps each person express perspectives and needs in ways that help others hear and understand them.
Mediation focuses on how people want things to be in the future (what they can influence) rather than on the past (what they can't change). It is about creating a positive future rather than remaining stuck in blame and retribution. Recognizing that actions in the past have an impact on relationships, the mediator can help people say what they need in order to resolve past events.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
One of the disputing parties contacts the mediator. Either that person or the mediator invites the other person to mediate the dispute. Mediation occurs only when everyone agrees to it, even though someone may be skeptical at first. I provide up to 30 minutes of Free Consultation before the session actually begins, giving participants a chance to ask about my approach and for everyone to decide whether mediation seems the most suitable avenue for resolution of their situation.
The mediation begins with signing the Agreement to Mediate. It sets out the conditions and characteristics of mediation, some basic ground rules for discussion, and the mediator's fee. In the session, each person has opportunity to speak and to be heard, until the issues and perspectives are clear. The mediator facilitates the discussion and negotiation until the parties reach agreement. The critical question for each person is, "What do you want to achieve in the mediation process?"
The typical product is a Settlement Agreement, which describes in writing the terms reached through mediation. For informal disputes, this is usually sufficient. For some legal matters, this document goes to the attorneys for review, revision and inclusion with the case documents.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Mediation services typically are charged on an hourly basis rather than by a fixed fee. There are different charges for actual mediation and preparation, telephone consultation, document writing, travel time, and expenses. In most cases, the participants split the charges. The costs and conditions are outlined in the Agreement to Mediate signed by everyone present at the session. Sessions usually run an hour and a half to two hours. In general, because there are no extensive fees for preparation, documentation, or other activities associated with legal actions, the cost of a mediated resolution is often much less than settlement via litigation. In addition, the emotional cost tends to be much lower, since mediation provides a safe means of addressing relationship concerns as well as facilitating settlement of the specific issues.
• WHAT ABOUT FACILITATION?
Facilitation is a related approach that addresses larger group concerns. Often, it means helping a group define goals and how to reach them. Sometimes, facilitation in conjunction with mediation brings out particular issues facing members of the group and then presents the issues for discussion in a safe and constructive atmosphere.
I am experienced with both Public and Organizational Facilitation planning decisions. See Facilitation Services in navigation bar.
Contact Information (Please contact me for a Free half-hour Consultation!): Contact MC
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