How Does it Work?
Step One:
Initial Phone Call
If you are locking horns with someone and can’t see a way forward—or if you simply want a neutral person to help guide a difficult conversation—mediation is a great option.
The first step is for both / all people to agree to try mediation, or at least to explore it as an option. A free phone call with each person follows, for me to answer your questions and talk through what mediation might look like. From there, everyone can decide together whether mediation is a good fit.
Each phone call is around 15 minutes.
Step Two:
Pre-Mediation Meetings
This is an individual meeting with each person—either in person, by phone, or on Zoom—where you can speak openly and confidentially about what’s going on from your point of view.
This confidential conversation is an important step. It helps the mediation process run more smoothly and increases the chances of a successful outcome.
Each meeting is around 30 minutes.
Step Three:
The Mediation
Mediation begins by setting shared expectations around confidentiality, respectful communication and a willingness to participate. We then decide together which issues you want to focus on.
Each person has the opportunity to share what matters to them and to listen to the other, with the goal of truly understanding one another. Along the way, the conversation helps uncover the needs and concerns beneath the surface.
The process continues by exploring possible paths forward and considering which options best support those needs.
Depending on what needs resolving, this step could take two hours to half a day.