My Mediation Philosophy and Process
In conflict situations, individuals reach an impasse when they remain stuck in their old perceptions of what the conflict is and how the other has contributed. They toss around the same old reactions and blame each other as the cause of their situation. They're in a relationship that lacks any kind of relating and the longer the status quo remains the stronger c
onflict's hold seems. I believe that when parties have a better understanding of their differing perspectives and the true nature of their conflict they can loosen its hold and begin to move through it. Mediation is a process that helps individuals change their relationship with conflict by fostering understanding and trusting that the participants have the inner resources and creativity to move past obstacles together and create their own solutions. Individuals who are empowered to own, understand and resolve their conflicts are more apt to comply with the agreements they reach and use the skills they've enhanced to deal with problems that come up in the future in a new way. As a mediator, I help guide and facilitate empowering conversations designed to foster understanding, collaboration and creative problem-solving. It’s a voluntary, confidential and non-adversarial process where all participants seek to understand each others differing perspectives and the conflict in which they are enmeshed. I do not provide legal advice nor do I act as a judge and impose decisions. When necessary, I do provide legal information and support the participants freedom to fashion their own creative solutions that may differ from what a court might decide. The importance they give to the law is up to them. The goal is for the participants to ultimately be able to move through their conflict with deeper understanding and take each other’s views into account as the foundation for a mutually agreeable solution.
