What Is Mediation?
Restoring communication, resolving issues, and reducing the stress of conflict
Mediation is a confidential process that aims to empowers parties to identify and resolve their issues and reach practical and cost-effective outcomes without avoid expensive and time-consuming court proceedings.
Mark approaches mediation as a professional process focused on helping people identify and resolve differences with the aim of helping them reach lasting, practical outcomes and agreements so they can reduce conflict and stress and get back to their lives.
A Participant-Led Process
Guidance, Not Direction
Mediation is voluntary and participant-led. While Mark guides the structure and flow of the process, decisions remain with those involved at all times.
The role of the mediator is to:
- Facilitate balanced and respectful discussion
- Support clear communication where it has become difficult
- Help the parties identify issues and explore practical options
- Help the parties reach practical, lasting agreements
The goal of mediation is to assist people with managing change in their lives and developing positive, beneficial ways forward.
Online and In-Person Mediation
Online Mediation
Online mediation offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing participants to engage from different locations while maintaining confidentiality and focus. Participants may communicate directly with each other or the Mediator can speak to each party separately. This format is conducted with the same level of care, neutrality, and professionalism as in-person sessions.
In-Person Mediation
In-person mediation provides a shared physical setting, which some participants find supportive for more complex or emotionally sensitive matters. The participants can be together in a room or in separate private rooms. The appropriate format is discussed in advance, ensuring the process feels safe, practical, and well-suited to the situation.
What Mediation Can Offer
Practical Benefits
Mediation is commonly used to:
- Clarify issues where communication has broken down
- Address practical arrangements and future planning
- Reduce escalation, stress, and unnecessary conflict
- Support practical, lasting outcomes that participants have shaped themselves